Abner Mares planning ringside reconnaissance mission for Frampton v Santa Cruz

Abner Mares [30(15)-2(1)-1] is looking to keep a close eye on potential future opponents Carl Frampton and Leo Santa Cruz next month.

Mares plans to be ringside for the fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on January 28th, and has eyes on the victor of the highly-anticipated WBA featherweight title rematch.

The Mexican-American moved into pole position to face the winner of the Vegas clash with a win over Jesus Cuellar at the weekend in California

The victory gave Mares, a three-weight World champ, the WBA ‘regular’ belt and now he wants to fight for the title currently held by Belfast’s Frampton [23(14)-0].

The fan-friendly fighter was defeated by Santa Cruz [32(18)-0-1] last year, and had also expressed his willingness to face Frampton back in 2014.

Now the 31 year old, who is also attached to the Premier Boxing Champions venture, wants to go straight into a fight with the winner. Considering the WBA’s pledge to get rid of their much-derided ‘regular’ titles, it seems highly likely that the governing body will push for this fight.

In the aftermath of his win at the weekend Mares noted that “I will be ringside for the Frampton-Santa Cruz fight, and whoever wins, I want them.”

“I do [want that fight next], you know me, I take no easy fights, so if Leo, Frampton, whoever, wins – I’m up for it.”