(Dec. 10, 2016) Abner Mares capped a strong showing with an 11th-round knockdown and won a split decision to become a four-time world champion. Abner Mares promised to stick to his game plan against Jesus Cuellar after abandoning it in his last bout. Not only did he stay the course, he showed all his skills in doing so as he became a world champion for the fourth time. Mares outboxed Cuellar throughout the fight and dropped the defending champion in the 11th round to gain a split decision in their 126-pound title bout in Los Angeles. Mares was coming off a 16-month layoff after dropping a majority decision to Leo Santa Cruz in a 126-pound title bout in August 2015, but he was sharp from the opening round against Cuellar, landing counter shots as he worked beautifully off his back foot. After engaging in a slugfest with Santa Cruz, Mares fought a more disciplined fight against Cuellar as he continually kept the Argentine southpaw off balance with superior footwork and precise counte