By Edward Chaykovsky

Puerto Rico's Jonathan Oquendo (24-3, 16KOs) considers a victory over Abner Mares (26-1-1, 14KOs) as being an accomplishment that is even more significant for his career than winning a world title.

Oquendo has won two in a row since losing by way of a seven round TKO to countryman Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. in October of 2012. Mares is returning from a long layoff of nearly one year. He was last seen in the ring when Jhonny Gonzalez stopped him in the first round last August.

Mares-Oquendo takes place this Saturday at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, as part of the Saul Alvarez-Erislandy Lara Showtime Pay-Per-View.

"This is significant, a win over Abner. We all know he's a tremendous three-division world champion. This means more than a title to me. This means more. This would put me, we've all known that he's been considered one of the best fighters in the world, so to me this is more than a belt. It's the status what it would put me in history and what it means for me and my family. It's everything," Oquendo said.