Abner Mares has trained all his life for two things. “Being a world champion and the next great Mexican icon,” Mares said from his camp in the Coachella Valley where he currently trains with Joel Diaz. He’s preparing for the biggest fight of his life against I.B.F. Bantamweight champion Yonnhy Perez at the Staples Center on May 22nd.

Mares vs. Perez, a highly awaited clash, will be the semi main event to the Israel Vazquez vs. Rafael Marquez card billed “Once and Four All”. “Being part of this card with Israel and Rafael is a big honor,” Mares stated. “They’re going to put on a great fight as always but don’t be surprised if we steal the show.”

It’s a realistic comment. Perez (20-0, 14 KO’s) is known to be an all action fighter who constantly stalks his opponents looking to do damage. Mares (20-0, 13 KO’s) on the other hand, is a slick boxer-puncher in the tradition of future hall of famer Juan Manuel Marquez. The lessons learned while training with Marquez in Mexico City weren’t lost on him. “I watched Marquez a lot and I took from him whatever I could to make my game better,” said the former Mexican Olympian. “I’m always learning from the people I train with and now training with Joel Diaz he’s taught me about using my power more.”

The 24 year old who lives in L.A. but hails from Guadalajara, Mexico is intent on making himself a star in the tradition of Julio Cesar Chavez and Oscar De La Hoya. “I want to be more than just a champion. I want more than that,” Mares insists. “I want to be an idol and someone kids can look up to.”

The task won’t be easy. Perez, a long and wiry Colombian, is a well regarded champion who put on a great display of courage and strength in his title winning effort against Joseph Agbeko. “I’m very familiar with Perez. We fought as amateurs, I beat him twice and he beat me once. But this is for the world title. This is when it really counts,” Mares said. “I need that title to accomplish my goals. No disrespect to Yonnhy, but I’m getting that belt on May 22nd.”

Manager Frank Espinoza believes this fight has all the makings of a classic. “This might be one of the best matches of the year. You have two hungry, undefeated, talented fighters with tremendous pride and heart,” said Espinoza. “This is a fight between two of boxing’s most ferocious young lions. Their styles will make for an action filled fight that will leave fans talking.”

While Mares runs, spars and trains, he can’t help but think of the moment when his hand will be raised in victory. “I visualize it every day. It’s my dream. It’s the key to a better life for my family,” Mares states. “I’m hungry for this. This is all about taking my game and my life to the next level.”

The sacrifices are many. While being separated from his family in order to prepare, Mares missed out on a special event. “I missed out on my daughter Emily’s fourth birthday and that was hard because I really wanted to be there,” he said. “But all this sacrifice is for her. I’d rather be home but it takes sacrifice to succeed and that’s what I’m doing.”

Mares promises he’ll put on the performance of his life. “I’m coming to win. I’m preparing like I’ve never prepared before,” he said. “This means everything to me. This is it. Yhonny Perez isn’t going to stop me. My destiny awaits.”

Mares vs. Perez will be the semi-main event for the Israel Vazquez vs. Rafael Marquez IV “Once and Four All” card. Tickets priced at $250, $125, $75, $50 and $25 are available online at ticketmaster.com, by calling Ticketmaster at (800)745-3000 and at The Staples Center Box Office.