Mares Moves Up and Vacates Title!
Photo By: Art Gallegos Jr./Standnfight.com
Less than six months ago, undefeated bantamweight Abner Mares was crowned the IBF world champion and Showtime bantamweight tournament winner. Four months later he succesfully defended his title by clearly defeating Joseph Agbeko for the second time.
On Wednesday morning, Espinoza Boxing (@EspinozaBoxing) announced Via their twitter that Mares (@abnermares00) had officially vacated his 118 title in search of opportunities at 122lbs.
According to reports, Mares decided to move up rather than face IBF mandatory challenger Vusi Malinga of South Africa.
“The whole team came to a decision to give up the title when we sat down and talked with Richard (Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions) and the staff,” Mares told ESPN.com on Wednesday. “The IBF ordered the mandatory against Malinga and the team asked me, ‘What do you think?’ We knew TV didn’t want the fight because the guy is not known and I didn’t really want to go back fighting on a smaller show.
“I’m in a great position and I want to continue to fight the best. So no disrespect to Malinga, but I just feel there’s more fights at 122 pounds, and I am struggling to make 118 anyway, so why not move up to 122 and fight the best up there?”
Team Morel -Photo By:Dominic Serna/Standnfight.com
Mares is scheduled to return April 21 on Showtime in a fight that is supposed to take place in Mexico City. Word is, Puerto Rican bantamweight Eric Morel is the front runner for Abner’s 122 lb. debut.
“I have no problem moving up and fighting the best fighters at 122,” Mares said. “This is the best decision we could have made. There’s no use for us to fight at 118 for this next fight. I don’t want to struggle making 118 anymore. Why kill myself to make 118?”