“No one is taking this belt from me,” stated I.B.F. bantamweight champion Yonnhy Perez. Perez (20-0, 14 KO’s), a Colombian based in L.A. is set to defend his title against Mexican Abner Mares (20-0, 13 KO’s) underneath the main event of the Vazquez vs. Marquez ”Once and Four All” card set to take place at The Staples Center on May 22nd.

“After all the sacrifices I’ve endured, I’m not letting Mares take my belt. I’ve worked too hard for it,” he continued. “I know he’s coming prepared to win but I’m in the best shape of my life and ready to defend.”

Mares, a highly regarded contender and former Olympian who trains in the Coachella Valley, assures that the crown will change hands on May 22nd. “This is my first world title shot and I’m looking to be a legend. I want to be the next great Mexican fighter. I know he’s a warrior but I have to fight the best to prove myself to the fans,” he said. “He’s going to be a challenge because he’s tall, powerful and strong but I’ll find a way to make this fight my fight.”

Perez remembers Mares all too well since they fought each other three times as amateurs with Mares winning twice. “Those were different times and I was a different fighter back then. I’m bigger, faster and stronger than ever.”

Although he’s been training and fighting in southern California for five years, he thinks about his country every day. “I miss my wife and my kids. I miss my people and my culture,” he says. “I returned home after I won my world title against Joseph Agbeko. It was a great feeling to arrive in Colombia with a championship for my fans and it’ll be great to return after I defend it against Mares.”

Mares thinks this will be his night. He also believes the fight will be a treat for boxing fans. “This will be my greatest performance. My fans will be happy,” Mares said. “We’re both hungry and eager to please the public and that’s what’s going to make for a great fight.”

 

Mares’ well known manager, Frank Espinoza, also thinks it will be his fighter getting his hand raised. “Yonnhy Perez is a great fighter and great champion but I have a lot of faith in Abner and his abilities. He’s ready for this. It’s his time,” Espinoza stated. “On May 22nd we’re going to have a new champion.”

 

Perez’s trainer Danny Zamora chimed in with his opinion. “This match-up is special. The fans are coming to the Staples center to see a war with Marquez and Vazquez but it’ll be Perez and Mares that will steal the show,” said Zamora. “You have two fighters with impressive amateur backgrounds who are highly skilled and ready to fight to the end for the world title. Yonnhy’s been in the ring with tougher fighters than Abner and that’s going to make all the difference. There’s no doubt Yonnhy will win in what should be a classic.”

Perez says Mares will find himself in a very difficult situation. “I’ve fought much bigger fighters than him. My size will be an advantage,” he stated. “He’s fought a lot of very good fighters in his professional career but he’s never fought anyone like me.”

Mares doesn’t believe size will be an issue. “I’ll use my speed and footwork and all the skills that god gave me,” Mares stated. “This is like war. Whatever it takes to win, I’ll do. I’ve been training incredibly hard and maybe I haven’t fought anyone like him as a pro but he hasn’t fought someone like me either.”

Yonnhy Perez summed up his view for the fans. “May 22nd will be a great night for those who have followed me. They’re going to see me at my best in one of the most important fights of my career,” he said. “I’m very appreciative of the fans who watched me fight in Los Angeles and they’re going to be rewarded that night with another great fight. If Abner Mares thinks he’s going to take my title he’s got another thing coming. The title is mine and it’s staying in Colombia.”

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.