Shaw: I’ll Petition Winner of Saturday’s Main Event to Fight Mares Next

Regardless of who wins tonight’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING broadcast from the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles (10:30 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast), between former IBF Bantamweight Champion Yonnhy “El Colombiano” Perez and two-division world champion Vic “Raging Bull” Darchinyan, promoter Gary Shaw says he’ll petition the IBF to sanction an Interim title fight between them and IBF #4-rated Abner Mares.

Mares saw his title shot dissolve earlier this week when champion Joseph Agbeko was stricken with sudden-onset sciatica and their fight had to be cancelled.

“If Agbeko cannot fight in a timely fashion and defend his title, I will personally petition the IBF to let the winner of this fight for the title against Mares,” stated Shaw.

Shaw, who has a sole promotional agreement with Darchinyan and shares a co-promotional agreement with Thompson Boxing on Perez, explains it’s not just about advancing his fighters, it’s a matter of keeping one of boxing’s most talent-laden divisions moving.

“Bantamweight is a hot weight to be at right now and the powers in boxing should work to make as many of these stellar matchups happen as soon as possible. Plus, Abner Mares should have the right to fight for the IBF title and shouldn’t have to wait an inordinate amount of time. There are so many action fights to be made at this weight. I’m sure when Joseph is well again he’ll defend against the interim champion in another great fight.”

Perez is currently rated #7 at bantamweight by the IBF.