IBF champion Joseph “King Kong” Agbeko has shown more diplomacy than a United Nations representative while discussing his bout Saturday against challenger Abner Mares. But now, with mere days before the fight, the gloves are back on.
It’s the final confrontation of Showtime’s The Bantamweight Tournament, and many expect a crackling ending as Agbeko (28-2, 22 KOs) faces Mares (21-0-1, 13 KOs) at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
The tournament began last December with four of the top five 118-pounders in the world. It should have ended this spring, but a back injury suffered by Agbeko forced a postponement.
“This is a fight that I’ve looked forward to. I want to be the best bantamweight,” said Ghana’s Agbeko, who defeated Colombia’s Yonnhy Perez to reach the final.
Bantamweights are small in size, but historically they’ve proven to be the most explosive and entertaining of all weight divisions. Despite their size, they usually exhibit amazing speed and power.
Back in the 1960s, Ruben Olivares blew past opponents with his two-fisted fury. He was followed by Carlos Zarate, Jeff Chandler and Jeff Fenech, bantamweights who all dominated the division.
Katherine Rodriguez / Special to The Press-Enterprise Golden Boy Promotions fighters, from left, Carlos Molina, Abner Mares and Luis Ramos will compete on Saturday’s card at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Agbeko and Mares are attempting to show the public the true bantamweight champion inside the ring. Nonito Donaire is also one of the top 118-pounders, but he did not enter the tournament.
“This tournament was open to the best bantamweights; others had the option to enter,” Agbeko said during a conference call. “Myself and Abner Mares, we were able to make it to the finals, so we’re the best bantamweights in the world.”
Mares surprised many by advancing past feared slugger Vic “The Raging Bull” Darchinyan. Many experts and boxing fans outside of Southern California were not familiar with Mares, who is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and managed by Frank Espinoza.
“That was a tough fight, but he got through it,” said Espinoza, who formerly managed bantamweight greats Israel Vazquez and Martin Castillo. “Abner has that ability to adapt.”
Mares’ ability to change strategies in the middle of a bout allowed him to defeat Darchinyan. He plans to utilize that strength against Agbeko on Saturday.
“I figure out the fighter there and then in the ring,” Mares said. “We’ve been sparring fast guys, slow guys, boxers and sluggers.”
Agbeko and Mares are focused solely on their confrontation. Not even the looming challenge of Donaire can distract them.
“This fight everybody is watching … it’s the best bantamweights in the world,” said Agbeko, who is promoted by Don King. “I want to be the best in my weight class and I want people to watch me.”
SOCAL FLAVOR
Several top-notch fighters from the Southland are also on the Las Vegas fight card Saturday.
Santa Ana undefeated southpaw Luis Ramos (19-0, 8 KOs) has a 10-round engagement with Oxnard’s fearless David Rodela (15-4-3, 6 KOs) in a lightweight bout.
“I’m excited. David Rodela is not an easy opponent,” said Ramos, who is managed by Espinoza. “He has nothing to lose.”
Rodela has lost three of his past six fights, but all have come against talented opposition. The favorite sparring partner for Manny Pacquiao always has a thing or two up his sleeve.
“Every lefty is awkward. I sparred with Victor Ortiz and he’s awkward as hell,” Rodela said about preparing for Ramos. “I’ve done well against southpaws in the past.”
In another lightweight fight, Norwalk’s undefeated Carlos Molina (14-0, 7 KOs) will face last-minute opponent Juan Montiel (5-4-2) of Mexico City.
Fights on television
Friday
ESPN2 , 6 p.m. Kermit Cintron (32-4-1) vs. Antwone Smith (20-2-1).
Showtime, 8 p.m. MMA Jorge Gurgel (14-7) vs. Joe Duarte (9-2).
Telefutura, 11:30 p.m., Antonio Diaz (46-6-1) vs. Ernesto Zepeda (39-14-4).
Saturday
FSW, 6 p.m., Teon Kennedy (17-0-1) vs. Alejandro Lopez (21-2).
Showtime, 7 p.m., Joseph Agbeko (28-2) vs. Abner Mares (21-0-1).
