Boxing: Medical Condition Forces Abner Mares from June 25 Bout

Former three-division world champion Abner Mares will no longer clash with Jesus Cuellar in the co-featured bout of next week’s Keith Thurman-Shawn Porter card.

A medical issue will prevent Mares (29-2-1, 15 KOs) from climbing into the ring June 25. No official information was released based on Mares’ situation due to medical confidentiality, but the New York State Athletic Commission reportedly would not allow the fight to proceed.

An official statement from DiBella Entertainment, the promoter of the bout, reads as follows:

“Regrettably, due to a medical issue that renders former three-division world champion Abner Mares presently unable to fight in New York State, the Cuellar vs. Mares fight has been cancelled and will be replaced on the Showtime Championship Boxing on CBS, Presented by Premier Boxing Champions, telecast next Saturday, June 25. Abner’s condition is in no way life-threatening, nor was it revealed in a blood or urine test; there was no use of any drugs, including PEDs or other banned substances.

In honoring Abner’s right to medical confidentiality, no further information will be released on this situation unless he chooses.”

According to officials, the bout will be replaced on the Showtime Championship Boxing on CBS marquee, though no specifics were given as of Friday evening. It is presently unknown if Cuellar (28-1, 20 KOs), the current WBA featherweight champion, will still fight on the card.