Abner Mares, a former three division champion, has no problem with taking a very tough fight in his first ring return from injury.

Mares was scheduled to face WBA super featherweight champion Gervonta Davis earlier this year, but he was forced to withdraw due to a serious eye injury.

The Mexican boxer, 33-years-old, is no stranger to eye injuries. He had a detached retina to his left eye in 2008, and the same injury has now happened to his right eye.

But he expects to return to the ring this coming fall.

Mares underwent surgery and he recently received some positive news from his doctor.

“I will be back this year for sure,” Mares said to Premier Boxing Champions. “Our estimated time, I hope, is September, the latest, October.”

“I just saw my ophthalmologist yesterday to get updates on my eye and it looks good. “He had some really good news. The progress since surgery has been great. It’s mainly about recovery for me. I’m telling you from experience because I’ve had an eye injury in 2008. The same injury. Eleven years later, I’m still fighting. That’s all I have to say. I will be back. People need to understand. It’s like any injury. An open wound. You need to let it heal and close. We’re just waiting to be 100%.”

And Mares has his sights set on facing WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr - who returns next month in defense against Kiko Martinez.

Mares has no idea why Russell is facing someone like Martinez and wonders why he doesn't face top competition.

“It’s not anything against him, he’s a great fighter, but he should be fighting top-notch opponents like myself,” Mares said. “I don't know why he’s not doing that. He fights once every two years for some reason. I don’t know if it’s because he doesn’t like boxing. I don’t know why. I don’t know why.

“Nothing against the guy, but [Martinez is] a dude who was stopped by Leo Santa Cruz. Why would you want to fight someone at that level? I just don’t get it. If you want to be considered one of the best you gotta fight the best. Hopefully when I come back he’ll be available and he’ll consider fighting me."