Mares relax for redemption strategy

Four-time world champion Abner Mares, who trains with coach Robert Garcia in Riverside, California, is preparing for his rematch against Leo Santa Cruz on Saturday, June 9, with the World Boxing Council Diamond belt will be at stake.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will be broadcasting the card, which also includes undefeated world champion Jermell Charlo, defending his WBC super welterweight Green and Gold Belt against former world champion Austin Trout.

Mares mused: “I feel good at the moment.  I’m strong and in good spirits and  I’m going to be reaching my  peak just at the right moment. I’m on weight and on my way to the night of the fight.”

“I have to be a balanced and relaxed Abner Mares on June 9. I cannot enter with the same exact mentality as the last time and try to knock out Leo.

“I trained well for the first fight, but I got tired at the end. Sometimes I felt desperate and frustrated and it took a lot of work. Now we are here, and I am happy to have the opportunity of redemption.

“I have great confidence because I had such an experienced trainer in my corner.  I am just trying to learn  from the master teachings and absorb everything he says.  I always ask him to push me and tell me when he needs more of me.”