LOS ANGELES—Eric Morel has adopted a now or never attitude in his bid to become a world champion for the first time in more than eight years. Unbeaten Abner Mares wants to make sure it’s never.
The two former world champions meet on April 21 at El Paso, Texas, for the World Boxing Council super bantamweight crown vacated by Japan’s Toshiaki Nishioka after he could not get a fight with Filipino star Nonito Donaire.
“If he wants to come back and try to win back the title, I’m ready to fight him,” Mares said.
Puerto Rico’s Morel, 46-2 with 23 knockouts, has won 11 fights in a row since losing to Martin Castillo of Mexico for the World Boxing Association super flyweight title in 2005 after losing the same title in 2003.
At 36, Morel knows he cannot afford another setback in his bid to return to the world throne.
“My preparation for this fight has been the best. Basically this is it,” he said. “It’s do or die for me.
“I guarantee you age is not catching up with me — 36 is nothing but a number. I’m in great shape. My feet are still there. My speed is just tremendous. I still have great power. I feel like nothing is going to stop me.”
Mexico’s Mares, 26, has yet to be stopped himself at 23-0 with one drawn and 13 knockouts.
“I can’t wait to become a world champion in my second weight class,” Mares said. “I’m not training any different because he’s 36. I’m not looking at numbers. It’s another opponent, another fight, and I have to train my best.
“I expect a tough fight. I know what I’m getting myself into. It’s a big step-up fight for him. He’s basically trying to make a comeback. He’s going to fight hard. But I train hard too and I’m ready for him.”
Panama’s Anselmo Moreno, 32-2 with one drawn and 11 knockouts, will defend his WBA bantamweight crown against Mexico’s David de la Mora, 24-1 with 17 knockouts, on the same card.
Southpaw Moreno, who has won 26 fights in a row over the past 9 1/2 years, will make his 10th defense of the crown he won in 2008.