Friday 28 October 2016 12:42, UK
Abner Mares hopes to face the winner of Carl Frampton's rematch with Leo Santa Cruz if he defeats WBA 'regular' featherweight champion Jesus Andres Cuellar.
The 30-year-old was beaten on points by Santa Cruz last year and is hoping to regain a version of the WBA belt when he faces Argentine Cuellar in Los Angeles on December 10.
Frampton, the WBA 'super' champion, has agreed to battle Santa Cruz again on January 28 in Las Vegas after his thrilling decision win in July and Mares hopes to earn a shot against the victorious fighter.
"I want the winner of the Frampton vs. Santa Cruz rematch," said Mares. "I want to continue to fight the best. I want to be known as a guy who fights the best.
"To be back for another world opportunity, it means everything to me. I'm hoping to give them another exciting fight.
This is the kind of fight I want to be in. It brings the best out of me.
"I never talk down about a fighter. We all deserve our respect. We all have the same desire to strive to be the best.
"Cuellar is a beast. He hits hard. The record speaks for itself and that's what has me so excited. This is the kind of fight I want to be in. It brings the best out of me."
Cuellar has been preparing for the fight with renowned trainer Freddie Roach and the Argentine is confident he will inflict a crushing defeat on Mares.
"Freddie is handing me the tools to go to work," said Cuellar. "You will see all my experience come together on fight night
"I'm sure Mares will give it his all, just like I will. I've been dreaming about this fight for years. This will be a great battle, but I am prepared to take my belt back to Argentina.
"This is the most important fight of my career. I'm planning on knocking him out. I know that big things are going to come my way after I beat Mares."
