Reigning WBC featherweight world champion Abner Mares says his youth and hunger will catapult him to victory when he engages in an all-Mexican warfare with veteran Jhonny Gonzalez on Saturday at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
Mares, who already captured world championship belts in 118, 122 and 126-pound divisions, said he remains hungry to achieve greater accomplishments.
The 27-year-old Mares is coming off a ninth round TKO victory over Daniel Ponce De Leon at MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, Nev. However, the young Mexican is facing a testy challenge from an experienced and crafty Mexican warrior in Gonzalez, who has nabbed two world titles in two different world divisions.
Mares said he's planning to showcase his boxing against Gonzalez, though he's aware that it won't be easy.
"The name of the game is to hit and not to get hit, I am a warrior but I always have that mentality, sometimes it depends on how the fight develops, but in this case we will try to make it an easier fight for myself since Gonzalez is a tough opponent and a warrior, his style is difficult," Mares told Fightnews.com.
On the other hand, Gonzalez is looking to pull off a stunner against a pound-for-pound fighter like Mares.
Saturday's card also features the WBC super bantamweight championship between Victor Terrazas and Leo Santa Cruz. Terrazas, the reigning WBC Super Bantamweight Champion, will defend his title for the first time since defeating Cristian Mijares in April.
"Mexico has great fighters, usually the fights between Mexicans are very exciting, the fight against Jhonny is very important, is going to be tough, like I said he has the experience but I am hungry to win," Mares concluded.