Abner Mares/Photo courtesy of Golden Boy Promotions

Abner Mares of Hawaiian Gardens had been out of the ring for 11 months when he squared off with Jonathan Oquendo and defeated Oquendo via unanimous decision on July 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The fight before that, Mares lost his featherweight title when he was knocked out in the first round by Jhonny Gonzalez of Mexico on Aug. 24, 2013 at StubHub Center.

Mares (27-1-1, 14 KOs) will be back in the ring again Dec. 13 when he takes on Jose Ramirez (25-4, 15 KOs) of Mexico in a 10-round featherweight bout on the undercard of the Amir Khan-Devon Alexander welterweight main event (on Showtime). Mares can’t wait.

“I am so happy to be back at MGM Grand after my recent win in July,” said Mares, an Artesia High graduate. “My ultimate goal is another shot at a world championship and a win on Dec. 13 will help me get there. I plan on putting on a great performance and showcasing my skills once again.”

Mares, who turned 29 on Nov. 28, has won titles in the bantamweight, super bantamweight and featherweight divisions.