Abner Mares Bio
Abner Mares Martínez is a Mexican-American professional boxer and boxing analyst born on November 28, 1985, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. He has held multiple world championships across three weight classes, including the IBF bantamweight title, WBC super bantamweight and featherweight titles, and the WBA (Regular) featherweight title. Mares grew up in Hawaiian Gardens, California, and holds dual citizenship with Mexico and the United States. He began his professional career in 2005 and is recognized for his successful boxing career with notable championship wins.
Early Life and Background
Mares was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, and moved with his family to Hawaiian Gardens, California, at age seven. At fifteen, his father sent him back to Mexico, which played a significant role in his formative years. His early exposure to boxing came through his amateur career, where he compiled a record of 112–8 with 84 knockouts. Mares won the U17 World Championships and the bantamweight gold medal at the 2002 Central American and Caribbean Games, as well as a silver medal at the 2003 Pan American Games. He also represented Mexico at the 2004 Summer Olympics.
Path to Boxing
Mares began his professional boxing career in January 2005, winning his debut against Luis Malave. He quickly rose through the ranks, capturing the WBO NABA Bantamweight Championship in 2007. Early in his career, he was trained by Hall of Famer Ignacio Beristáin before changing promotional companies and trainers. Mares participated in a Showtime bantamweight tournament, defeating notable opponents such as Vic Darchinyan and Joseph Agbeko to claim the IBO Championship and WBC Silver titles. His early achievements set the stage for his ascent to world championship status.
Abner Mares Career
Early Career (2005–2011)
Mares started his professional career with a victory in 2005 and steadily built his record. In 2007, he won the WBO NABA Bantamweight Championship by defeating former WBO Champion Isidro García. Despite suffering an eye injury that required surgery, Mares returned to the ring within ten months, demonstrating resilience. His early career was marked by a majority draw against undefeated IBF Bantamweight Champion Yonnhy Perez in 2010, a fight many observers believed Mares won. This period was crucial for his development and exposure on the international boxing scene.
IBF Bantamweight Title Breakthrough (2011–2012)
Mares’ breakthrough came during the Showtime bantamweight tournament, where he defeated Vic Darchinyan and Joseph Agbeko to win the IBF bantamweight title in 2011. The final against Agbeko was controversial due to numerous low blows by Mares that went unpenalized. A rematch later that year saw Mares win by unanimous decision, solidifying his status as a world champion. This era marked his rise to prominence in the bantamweight division and showcased his aggressive fighting style.
WBC Super Bantamweight and Featherweight Titles (2012–2013)
Moving up to super bantamweight in 2012, Mares won the WBC Super Bantamweight title by defeating Eric Morel. He successfully defended this title and later moved to featherweight, where he claimed the WBC featherweight title in 2013 by defeating Daniel Ponce de León. However, his reign at featherweight faced challenges, including a first-round TKO loss to Jhonny González. During this period, Mares changed trainers, working briefly with Virgil Hunter before returning to Clemente Medina.
WBA (Regular) Featherweight Title and Super Featherweight Career (2016–Present)
In 2016, Mares won the WBA (Regular) featherweight title by defeating Jesus Cuellar via split decision. He retained the title against Andres Gutierrez with a technical decision. In 2018, Mares moved up to super featherweight and fought Leo Santa Cruz in a highly competitive rematch, losing by unanimous decision. Mares continues to compete actively in the super featherweight division, demonstrating his longevity and adaptability in the sport.
Driving Style and Strengths
Abner Mares fights with an orthodox stance and is known for his aggressive pressure fighting, effective body attacks, and ability to control opponents on the ropes. His resilience and tactical approach have been key to his success across multiple weight classes.
Notable Events and Milestones
Mares’ career includes winning world titles in three weight divisions and participating in high-profile bouts with notable fighters such as Vic Darchinyan, Joseph Agbeko, Daniel Ponce de León, and Leo Santa Cruz. His fights often featured dramatic moments, including controversial decisions and intense rivalries.
Abner Mares Career Wins
Abner Mares has amassed a professional record of 31 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws, with 15 wins by knockout. His victories span multiple weight classes and include several world championship titles.
Bantamweight Highlights
Mares won the WBO NABA Bantamweight Championship in 2007 and captured the IBF bantamweight title in 2011 after winning the Showtime bantamweight tournament. His notable wins include defeating Vic Darchinyan and Joseph Agbeko, with the latter fight leading to a rematch due to controversy.
Super Bantamweight and Featherweight Highlights
At super bantamweight, Mares claimed the WBC title in 2012 by defeating Eric Morel and defended it successfully. Moving to featherweight, he won the WBC featherweight title in 2013 by knocking out Daniel Ponce de León. He later secured the WBA (Regular) featherweight title in 2016 and defended it before moving to super featherweight.
Other Wins & Performances
Mares’ amateur career was distinguished by international medals, including gold at the 2002 Central American and Caribbean Games and silver at the 2003 Pan American Games. His professional wins include regional titles and significant victories that established him as a top contender in multiple divisions.
Abner Mares Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Specific details about Abner Mares’ family background are limited. He was born in Mexico and moved to the United States with his family during childhood, which influenced his dual nationality and cultural identity.
Personal Life
Public information about Mares’ personal life, including marital status and children, is not widely documented. He resides in Hawaiian Gardens, California.
2025 Season Performance
As of 2025, Abner Mares remains an active professional boxer competing in the super featherweight division. His experience and skill continue to make him a competitive presence in the sport. Details about his 2025 fight schedule and performance are forthcoming, with expectations for continued participation in high-level bouts and potential title opportunities.