24 year-old Abner Mares is on the fast track to becoming one of the sports most elite fighters. He is undefeated as a professional (19-0, 12 KOs), and possesses swift hand speed and precise volume punching that has enabled him to conquer opponents quite easily. Defensively, Mares fights like a veteran. When standing in front of his opponents, he exerts little energy by using crafty upper body movements. Mares is one of eleven brothers, and was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, but raised in Hawaiian Gardens, California. While Maresmother worked many long hours to support the family, he started boxing at the age of 7 when his brother took him to the gym. Abners father also boxed professionally. While growing up, Mares focused on perfecting his craft, which left little time for friends and activities. He never attended his high school prom. At 12 years old, my dad instilled strict discipline. From that point, I took boxing very seriously. Abner has triumphed over several challengers by implementing a devastating body attack into his arsenal. His body punches remind many of Mexican legend Julio Cesar Chavez. Chavez was a big idol for me. We used to get together and have barbecues when he would fight. Mares holds a remarkable amateur record of 112-8, 84 KOs. In 2002, he captured Gold medals at the World Cadet Championships and the Central American and Caribbean Games. He also won a pair of Silver medals at the 2003 Pan-American Games and the 2004 World Junior Championships. Three of those 112 victories came against Juan Manuel Lopez, who is undefeated as a professional and now fights at 126 lbs. The first time I beat Lopez was in his native Puerto Rico. It was by a few points. Then, I defeated him in El Salvador at the 2002 Central American Games. At the 2003 Pan-American Games, Mares would beat Lopez again, this time in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. My corner just kept telling me to pressure and stay on top of him. http://www.boxingrepublic.com/2010/01/24/abner-mares-boxings-brightest-rising-star/
