“We’re back. The old Abner Mares is back and I think I proved that by giving you a great performance.”
Abner Mares was delighted with his crowd-pleasing victory over Jose Ramirez and focused on revenge on the man who stopped him inside one round.
“I wanted to go toe-to-toe and to prove I could take a punch,” Mares continued. “I wanted to get hit, go toe-to-toe and please the crowd. I think I did a great fight to please the fans. I threw a lot of combinations and ended with the body shots.
“I want my rematch [with Gonzalez]. I want my belt back. I owe it to myself, I owe it to my fans they only got to see half a round. We have 11 and a half rounds to finish.
“Leo Santa Cruz was here, I want that fight too and I think we will give the fans a great fight.”
Ramirez was understandably despondent.
“I’m happy with my effort, but not with the result. This is not where it ends for me. I’m going to continue. Mares is a great fighter. He is No. 3 in the world and I’m honoured to fight him.”
