By Elisinio Castillo

WBA 'regular' featherweight Jesus Cuellar is "very motivated" to win his upcoming fight against former three division beltholder Abner Mares, which is scheduled for December 10 in Los Angeles.

"I'll be at hundred percent," said the only Argentine boxer who currently holds a world title. Cuellar (28-1, 21 KOs) has very big goals for his career, but first he must overcome his most experienced and toughest opponent to date. They were set to meet in June, but the fight was pushed back when Mares couldn't get licensed in New York.

"I am very motivated to win this fight. You are going to see the best version of me. I'll be a hundred percent ready. I'm very well prepared and focused. First we want to fight with Abner Mares and then with Leo Santa Cruz before going up to the next division," Cueller said.

The fight with Mares (29-2-1, 15 KOs) will take place at the USC Galen Center.

Cuellar has been learning a lot since jumping ship from trainer Robert Garcia and joining the vast stable of Hall of Fame coach Freddie Roach, who runs the very respected Wild Card Gym in Hollywood. In a twist, Mares has retained the services of Garcia.

"I'm happy to be working with Freddie Roach. The urge to fight has returned, but with much more encouragement to beat Mares. Since we arrived to the Wild Card Boxing Club, the trainers got to know me and we are managing pretty well. Roach will be in my corner because he is the captain of the ship," Cuellar said.

"I have the power and I have the desire to continue growing in this sport. I am one of the five champions in my division. I'll face every featherweight who wants will fight me to prove I'm number one. I was all prepared [to face Mares] in June and two weeks before the fight they told us the contest was delayed. But the arms have never gone down. We must always go forward in boxing. I want a unification against the winner of Frampton-Santa Cruz - but let's get there step by step."

Cuellar, 29, has been out of the ring since last December when he defeated Jonathan Oquendo by way of a unanimous decision.