Stardom Awaits: Abner Mares vs Jhonny Gonzalez Preview

By Peter Wells (twitter @boxingsaddler):

Already a Pound-for-Pound hit, Abner Mares is aiming for the highest mountain peak as he prepares to trade blows with friend and fellow Mexican, Jhonny Gonzalez. The fighter born in the poverty stricken area of Guadalajara has thus far swept world titles from three weight classes and with a growing reputation looks set to expand further.

His next challenge though will be no easier than his previous 7 world title opponents. Gonzalez's impressive record of 54-8 with an astonishing 46 knockouts indicates this former Bantamweight and Featherweight world title holder is nothing short of a menacing threat to Mares' unbeaten ledger.

Although Gonzalez looked a faded figure when dominated by Daniel Ponce De Leon last September, it was his first defeat for 12 fights since he was halted in a shoot-out vs Toshiaki Nishioka. In between those two defeats the Mexican tore through both Hozumi Hasegawa and Rogers Mtagwa - the latter almost shocked Juan Manuel Lopez in a close decision defeat - in 4 and 2 rounds respectively. Elio Rojas was another high profile victory in that short time frame for Gonzalez.

Jhonny has shared the ring with some of the top Bantamweights and Super Bantamweights of his era: Gerry Penalosa (L KO 7) - when ahead on the scorecards - Fernando Montiel (W SD 12), Marc Johnson (W KO 8) and Ratanachai Sor Vorapin (W TKO 7) as well as several more.

Gonzalez has been widely known as a boxer/puncher. For many Mexican fight fans he doesn't have the aggressive nature for them to take him to their hearts, but then again those that booed during his fight with Israel Vazquez have likely never stepped foot in a ring. Gonzalez's style has brought him success in boxing and no one can fault him there, and despite his ability to outbox some of his rivals he has sometimes unwisely elected to stand and trade with his more limited opponents.

Until he became careless vs Vazquez, Gonzalez was in control having already sent the gun-slinging warrior to the canvas twice. In the 10th round when needing a stoppage, Vazquez had Gonzalez in the perfect position and managed to stop him there and then.

Abner Mares (Right) knocks down Ponce De Leon (Left)

While tomorrow night Gonzalez will not be taking on an opponent with the power of Vazquez, he will be challenging a champion with many more threats in his arsenal.

Abner Mares - 26-0-1(14) - has begun to win fans over since the controversial low blows he issued out in his first encounter with the likeable Joseph Agbeko (W MD 12). Many believe that Mares should have at least had points deducted or even been chucked out for his persistent fouling.

Wins over Vic Darchinyan (W SD 12), Eric Morel (W UD 12), Anselmo Moreno (W UD 12) and Daniel Ponce De Leon (W TKO 9) and a convincing win in an ordered rematch vs Agbeko (W UD 12) have transformed this once raw fighter into a pound-for-pound star. Mares' only blemish on his record came when he was unfortunate to be denied victory against Yonnhy Perez (D 12).

Although not a devastating puncher, Mares did pull out a stoppage vs the durable Ponce De Leon, in a fight that was close until the referee's intervention.

Despite Gonzalez's stellar career, it does seem that the 31 year old has hit a roadblock. His work rate was practically doubled by Ponce De Leon, while Mares was the busier fighter when he twice floored the 49 fight veteran.

Expect Mares to swarm Gonzalez from the start only to be met by the occasional sharp right hand counter. Landing a knockout punch while Mares rushes in may well be Jhonny's only shot at victory.

The pick is for Mares to come close to stopping Gonzalez in the middle rounds, but if he fails to do so then he may tire in the latter stages. Gonzalez will finish with a flourish but it wont be enough. Mares will take the victory via a comfortable unanimous decision.



Leo Santa Cruz (Left) & Victor Terrezas (Right)

On the undercard just a few steps behind Mares is fellow Golden Boy Mexican star, Leo Santa Cruz. His style has drawn many comparisons to Mares as well as the much bigger Antonio Margarito. Santa Cruz works off an unbelievable motor, but has also shown weaknesses when charging forward.
Having already struck gold with the IBF Bantamweight title, Leo takes on WBC Super Bantamweight title holder, Victor Terrezas - 37-2-1(21). The Mexican won the vacant title last time out when narrowly outpointing Cristian Mijares (W SD 12). He also has a win over Fernando Montiel (W UD 12), while losing on his debut and was also halted by Rendall Munroe (L TKO 9), 3 years ago.
Although a very good and experienced fighter, Terrezas has not fought the highest level of opponents. His two biggest wins were both close against arguably faded opponents.

The taller Santa Cruz - 24-0-1(14) - who has stopped three of his last 4 opponents can do the same here, with a stoppage in around 9 rounds.