Speaking to Kiwanis, former boxing champ Abner Mares doesn't rule out a return to the ring
Abner Mares was the guest speaker at the Downey Los Amigos Kiwanis meeting on Wednesday, where he spoke about his career as a professional boxer and commentator. (Photo by Alex Dominguez)
DOWNEY — Professional boxer and former multi-time, multi-weight champion Abner Mares hasn’t fought in a boxing ring for around two years, but he thinks he has a little left in the tank.
Mares, 38 of Downey, was the guest speaker Wednesday for the Downey Los Amigos Kiwanis club at the Rio Hondo Event Center.
Mares was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. When he was 7 years old, he immigrated to the United States, settling in Hawaiian Gardens along with his mother and seven siblings. In order to avoid the dangers of the rough neighborhood culture and street gangs, he was sent back to Mexico at age 14, where he was encouraged to pursue boxing.
In his professional career, Mares signed with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions. He compiled a record of 31-3, with 15 knockouts, and is a four-time, three division world champion, fighting as a bantamweight, super bantamweight and featherweight. He also competed in the 2004 Summer Olympics, representing Mexico and losing in the first round, albeit in a highly controversial decision.
His career came to an unfortunate end due to multiple eye injuries.
Mares credited his success to his family, friends, coaches, and trainers.
“In boxing - they say this a lot and I hate it - they say it’s a one-man sport, obviously because you’re the only one in there fighting; it’s you against him,” said Mares. “Really, there’s a team behind me; there’s my conditioning coach, there’s my boxing coach, there’s my wife that’s helping me. There’s a team.
“Obviously, my success and all of my accomplishments, they’re 100% because of the people I have around me: my wife, my kids, my good friends.”
Still, he acknowledged his own commitment.
“I put in the hard work as well. I was dedicated. I would go to sleep early. I would not go party; I would not drink. I would be really disciplined,” said Mares. “I don’t think I was born with talent. I think I just worked hard enough to get to where I am.”
Mares currently serves as a boxing analyst for Amazon Prime. Although he has not ruled out a return to the ring, he remains realistic in his expectations.
“It’s such a beautiful sport; so much heart, sweat and tears. So much dedication. I miss it so much, and that’s why I’m kind of going back,” said Mares. “I’m smart enough to know that I’m coming back, not to go for a world title. I don’t want to go fight the best, number one, number two; I want to go out there and do it again.
“I’m 38 years old. I feel like I have two more fights in me just because I know I can. I’ve taken care of my body.”