"I always believe that speed can kill power in boxing. I believe I have the speed to kill Darchinyan's power and I think my boxing skills, as far as me being a boxer and fighting from the outside, will definitely be a bargain for me in this fight; not standing toe-to-toe with a power puncher like Darchinyan. You know, I have nothing but respect for this guy. He has had great fights against good fighters. I think I am just younger, hungrier and more motivated for a fight like this," stated undefeated bantamweight contender Abner Mares as he talked about his upcoming December 11 showdown with Vic Darchinyan. Check it out!
EB: How are you doing?
AM: I'm doing very good. I'm doing really really good. I'm just really excited and motivated for this upcoming fight.
EB: You're fighting Vic Darchinyan.
AM: Yes sir, Vic Darchinyan. Big name, so I'm really excited.
EB: Yeah, this is a nice fight for you. Your last fight ended in a draw with Yohnny Perez.
AM: Yeah, last time out was a draw against Yohnny Perez; a really good, tough fight for both of us. The decision could've gone my way because of the way I closed the rounds, you know, but it was a really good fight and I would be more than happy to do it again.
EB: You might just get that chance if both of you win your fights in this tournament.
AM: Yeah, if I win my fight and he does his thing in his fight, that would work out perfect.
EB: What do you think of Vic Darchinyan? He is a power puncher and has an awkward style. What do you think you can do to beat him?
AM: I always believe that speed can kill power in boxing. I believe I have the speed to kill Darchinyan's power and I think my boxing skills, as far as me being a boxer and fighting from the outside, will definitely be a bargain for me in this fight; not standing toe-to-toe with a power puncher like Darchinyan. You know, I have nothing but respect for this guy. He has had great fights against good fighters. I think I am just younger, hungrier and more motivated for a fight like this.
EB: Yeah, this is a big fight here and you can't do anything but give it your all.
AM: This is a great for me. It's a big name, a big step up and a great fight after my fight with Yohnny. I got a lot to prove. I mean, I proved a lot against Yohnny, but I feel I still have a lot more to prove. You know, this is a great fight and a great name and what better way to do it than in Mexico against a tough opponent.
EB: This tournament is pretty evenly matched. Anyone can take it.
AM: Exactly! You can take any guy and say he could win the tournament. These are very competitive fights. I think we are all great in our different styles. It's just really good matches in both fights.
EB: You know, I was disappointed that Top Rank didn't allow their fighters to participate, however, with Montiel just getting injured, I guess his fight would've been delayed if he fought in December.
AM: Yeah, exactly! I mean, things happen for a reason. We know what just happened with Montiel and it would've been a major upset for the tournament. It would've pushed everything back, so, you know, everything happens for a reason. I think the best thing is for the winner of this tournament to fight the winner of Montiel and Donaire. I think that would work perfectly for everyone. That way, it won't be any talk about this being some C tournament where the real fighters were missing. This is a really good tournament where great fighters fight and the winner fights the winner of the other two. I've been hearing rumors that their fight is already signed for February 19.
EB: So how has training been going for you?
AM: Training is great; really good. I mean, we started really early because we know this is a hard fight. For all the respect of fighting Darchinyan, we are training our butts off. This is my first training camp where I have done 3 sessions a day which consists of running in the morning, ab work in the afternoon, boxing, and in the evening, more conditioning and strength work with my conditioning coach. I'm making sure I'm maintaining my diet, so since this is the first time I'm doing it, I'm doing it professionally. Again, because I am taking this whole tournament seriously, because I do have 2 fights guaranteed, I'm looking forward to this and training camp is great. I actually sparred last Tuesday and I sparred a 135-pound fighter, which is great, and we are going to keep on sparring. We are going to spar more southpaws and try to get the awkward style of Darchinyan.
EB: Not to make you think too far out, but have you thought of moving up divisions during your career?
AM: Yeah, there's no doubt in my mind I will be moving up in weight. As it is after the Yohnny fight, I was walking around 140, so you can tell that's a lot of weight. So I will drop down to 130, 126 and maintain until closer to fight time. I can easily fight at 122 or 126. I actually started my career at 122 and I did really good. I had my first 6-7 fights at 122 and I was knocking guys out, so I have no problem moving up in weight.
EB: Anything else you want to say to your fans in closing?
AM: People who have been following me since day one, thank you, and those turning their heads towards me, thank you. Thanks for believing in me and I will not let you down. As I always say, Viva Mexico, and thanks for the interview.