Los Angeles – In his first fight in over four years, former three-division world champion Abner Mares (31-3-2, 15 KOs) faced Miguel Flores (25-4-1, 12 KOs) to a thrilling draw. majority after 10 -rounds in their lightweight matchup.
Mares got off to a strong start on his return to the ring, landing a series of sharp right hands early in the second round that brought his Southern California hometown crowd to their feet as their hometown hero landed 42 in-frame punches. Bantamweight, super bantamweight and featherweight world champion throughout his career, Mares believed he had done enough to win the fight.
“Obviously it had been more than four years, so it was a little bit out of time and a little bit slow,” Mares said. “But I felt good and I thought I was landing the most powerful punches every time.”
Although Mares had a 151 to 124 advantage in landed punches, the two fighters were even 90 to 90 in landed punches during rounds three through 10. His improvement in the second half of the fight was enough for victory in the eyes of Mares. Flowers.
“It was a good fight and obviously I thought I got it done,” Flores said. “I know we’re in his hometown and he’s a veteran, so that’s who he is. he was catching most of it. He caught me with a couple of good shots early on, but I felt like he was in control after the fourth round.”
Flores had his best rounds in the last two frames, sweeping the ninth and tenth in all three cards to clinch the tie. The raucous 10th round left fans on their feet with both fighters raising their hands in victory before scores were read out 95-95 twice and 96-94 for Mares.
“It was a great atmosphere,” Flores said. “It’s hard not to let the crowd get the best of you. I know they were cheering me on at the end as well. This puts me in a great position. We got a draw against a world champion in three divisions, so it leaves a good taste in your mouth.” “.
“After four years, I did enough to beat a kid and an active fighter,” Mares said. “My performance speaks for itself. The crowd was happy and it felt good to be home. I definitely felt like I won, but it is what it is, the judges saw it as a draw.”
