Abner Mares vs. Eric Morel: Solid Fight Is Overshadowed by Mayweather vs. Cotto

I can't wait to see Floyd Mayweather take on Miguel Cotto—but first things first. There is a quality championship fight taking place tonight in the super bantamweight division.

Undefeated Abner Mares will battle Eric Morel for the vacant WBC title.

Don't let the bright lights of the hype for Mayweather vs. Cotto blind you—this will likely be a better, and more competitive fight.

The 26-year-old Mares is a sensational young fighter. He is 22-0, and has long been thought of as one of the sport's truly great young stars.

Morel is a veteran whose effectiveness has seen him climb multiple weight classes, and he was a champion as a flyweight.

This fight doesn't feature the same level of star power as Mayweather vs. Cotto, but it has a dynamic that fight doesn't have.

That is hunger.

Neither of these fighters have ever enjoyed the success, fame or riches that Mayweather and Cotto have.

That brings a rawness to the feel of the fight.

Though this is for a title, it is ideally a stepping-stone for Mares. He hopes to one day battle Nonito Donaire, in what would be the highest profile bout possible in the lower weight classes.

But this is no normal stepping-stone.

The 36-year-old Morel is 46-2, and he hasn't lost a fight since he returned from an almost three-year hiatus in 2008.

He has won 11 consecutive fights in that time, and he hopes to use his experience to defeat Mares.

Mares is coming off a rough two-fight stretch versus Joseph Agbeko. He won a disputed majority decision in their first bout, but won a more sound unanimous decision in the rematch.

He was bloodied in both, but I believe they made him tougher—mentally and physically.

I believe Mares will win this fight, but I expect it to be hotly contested and entertaining.

If you only have one pay-per-view in your budget this month, I don't blame you, I'd pick Mayweather vs. Cotto as well.

But if you can squeeze out another, this is definitely a fight to check out.

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