Mares Meets Darchinyan

As Mares built his record under the auspices of Golden Boy Promotions, “The Raging Bull” from “Down Under” began a run that saw him win multiple world titles at 112 and 115 pounds. By 2008, Mares had established himself as a young, rising prospect but after his bout with Jonathan Arias that June, he was diagnosed with a detached retina in his right eye. His boxing career in jeopardy, he made ends meet for awhile as a security guard at Bell Gardens High School.

In his early 20s, he faced life without boxing. A stark reality that scared him.

"No doubt, no doubt; something you’ve done your whole life, that’s the only thing you know how to do. Knowing you may not be able to do it anymore, you gotta go a different route. It definitely depressed you and especially when you got a family to feed, a family to look after. It’s just depressing and sad but you gotta move on; it’s life. But again, Almighty God decided to give me a second chance. I got the opportunity and I think it came for a reason and I’m going to take advantage of it," said Mares, now 25 years of age.

He was medically cleared in March of 2009 and soon, he signed on with noted manager Frank Espinoza.

"Everything happens for a reason," said Mares." As soon as Frank Espinoza’s team stepped in, it just picked up big time. Right away we got the Yonnhy Perez fight and it’s just been going great. I mean, talk about good luck and people bringing good vibes; I would have to say it’s them and that team. As soon as they stepped in, thing’s started working out great."

The bout with the hardnosed Colombian took place this past May at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Slotted underneath the fourth chapter of Rafael Marquez-Israel Vazquez, this fight stole the show. In what was a back-and-forth battle that saw the momentum shift several times, the closely contested bout ended up in a draw. But while he didn’t grab the IBF strap that night, he gained considerable and invaluable experience.

Espinoza says of that fight, "I think he grew tremendously because only for the fact that he had fought good fighters and when he fought for the world title, it showed me at the world-class, championship level that he could be in there with the best."

Mares agrees; against Perez, especially in the late rounds when he came on strong, he grew up like Rudy Huxtable.

"I think so," he says, "I think that’s what happened. We definitely had a plan for that fight, which was to box for the first couple of rounds and then close the last rounds because Yonnhy’s the type of fighter who closes hard. So we started digging into that body and I think we hit that body hard and that’s what made him slow down. Again, I think that was our major test. That was the fight where I became a man and really let people know that I’m here for business."

Mares didn’t win on paper but he gained respect throughout the boxing world as one of the best 118-pounders in the world. And with that, came an invitation from Showtime to join their bantamweight tourney. "To me, it was a no-brainer," Espinoza said, of accepting this offer on behalf of Mares and Perez, who he also represents. "It was a great opportunity for these kids to be showcased on Showtime. I think the single-elimination is the way to go. I think we learned a lot from the ‘Super Six’ that sometimes things do happen when you go into an extensive format."

Mares’ reaction?

"First of all, when they said about the bantamweight tournament, I was really excited. I said yes right away, definitely. For my age and where I’m at right now, it’s a big opportunity. So we definitely said yes right away and when they said, ‘Vic Darchinyan,’ even better. Everything just fell into place perfect. It’s a big name, big tournament. I’m just looking forward to it."

Seeing Mares work with trainer Clemente Medina, he just looks like a fighter ready to break out. While Darchinyan has the pedigree and résumé, Mares is the natural bantamweight and he has youth on his side.

"He had about 150 rounds of sparring," said Medina, who pointed out that they worked with the likes of Daniel Ponce De Leon and Giovani Segura leading into this fight. "So I think he’s grown more confident because he told me, he started with me, ’I’ll win a world championship with you.’ Mentally, he’s very good; physically he’s 100-percent." The trainer knows that Darchinyan is still a dangerous foe, one that can turn the tide with punch. "Vic Darchinyan is a strong guy. He’s older than Mares. Mares has more skills, a little bigger than him. I know the power is there; Mares will have to be intelligent at moments but Abner has everything to win."

Contrary to popular belief, Mares may not just box his way to victory on the perimeter. He might actually just bring the fight to Darchinyan.

"Y’ know what? It’s weird; I see myself- and I know a lot picture me winning by boxing- winning by fighting, going forward, fighting Vic’s fight. I think I’m capable of doing that. I know he’s a strong fighter; I know fighting that fight will make it even more difficult but I think I’m ready for any type of fight. Again, I just envision myself winning any type of fight."

He isn’t just glad to be here by any means but he’s certainly thankful for how far he’s come in a relatively short period of time.

"Again, I’m just grateful; there was a time in my life in my career where it was pretty much over or I was not going to make it because there were major setbacks with my eye, the detached retina. I just thought it wasn’t for me and now, everything is falling into place. This is going to be my second time fighting on big TV, broadcast on Showtime, second time fighting a world champion, a world championship. In reality, nobody gets these types of opportunities and I’m just looking forward to it and planning on making a big impact and taking advantage of this."

SILVERDOME

For those of you who have asked about ticket information regarding the January 29^th battle between Tim Bradley and Devon Alexander at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan, here you go: 

Tickets, priced from $25-$400, will go on sale This Friday!  December 10, and can be purchased at the Silverdome box office by calling (248) 338-2500 or online at www.silverdometickets.com. The event is being promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, Don King Productions, and Thompson Boxing Promotions. 

Who know just how many folks in that economically depressed region (of course, what region ISN’T currently) will show up for this fight? But if I were one of the organizers of this event, I’d make sure that the likes of Cornelius Bundrage (who is promoted by Don King), Ronald Hearns, Mary Jo Sanders (is she even fighting anymore?) and even a cardboard cut-out of Tommy Hearns be included on this card.

DRY DESERT

Speaking of economically depressed areas, I think you can count Las Vegas as one. And further proof is that for this weekend’s fight at the Mandalay Bay, the hotel has sent out an email offer to some of their more regular customers for free tickets to this weekend’s fight card featuring the junior welterweight contest between Amir Khan and Marcos Maidana.

But here’s the kicker- they are giving you the room for free also. 

It’s an indication of just how Vegas is struggling and just how sluggish tickets are moving for this fight. So, while all the fighters on the HBO-televised card arrived on Tuesday afternoon. The question is, will anyone else be here by the weekend?

MIDWEEK FLURRIES

OK, I know Mike Tyson and Julio Cesar Chavez were no-brainers for the Hall of Fame but Sylvester Stallone? Interesting, to say the least. But the “Rocky” franchise was great for boxing, no doubt...Seriously, is Derek Jeter will worth anything near $20 million a year at this stage of his career? But can the Yankees afford to lose this iconic figure at any cost?...I can’t wait to watch the “30 for 30” on ESPN. “Pony Excess” Eric Dickerson will always be on my Mount Rushmore of favorite athletes. Poor guy had to take a pay cut from SMU to playing for Georgia Frontiere...So Albert Haynesworth has been suspended by the Washington Redskins? Was he ever there in DC to begin with?...RIP Elizabeth Edwards, a great example of courage and class under duress...You can contact me at k9kim@yahoo.com and I tweet at www.twitter.com/stevemaxboxing. We also have a Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/MaxBoxing.