US television network Showtime recently announced an exciting four-man tournament in the bantamweight division which, unlike the super-middleweight version, will not contain a group stage. Commencing on December 11 in Guanajuato, Mexico, Joseph Agbeko and Yonnhy Perez will meet in a rematch of their exciting 2009 bout. However in an even more intriguing match-up on the same bill, Abner Mares will face Australian-based Armenian Vic Darchinyan with the winners of the bouts to meet in the final next year.
It is the perfect outlet for up-and-coming Mexican star Mares to showcase his skills on the world stage. The California resident went from highly-rated prospect to genuine world title contender in his draw with Colombian Perez in May. Many felt Mares did more than enough to get the victory his hard work appeared to deserve. That said, the result has not discouraged him and the fact that so many observers scored the fight in Mares? favour has only served to boost his confidence.
Speaking after his first day of sparring in preparation for the Darchinyan bout, the friendly, laidback Mexican discussed his preparations with two months remaining before the fight. ?Today was my first day of sparring actually, just four rounds, you know just to get my timing back. I?ve been doing three sessions a da
