Abner Mares, THE RING's No. 6-rated bantamweight contender, has signed a managerial deal with Frank Espinoza, the Espinoza Boxing Club announced Monday.

Mares (18-0, 11 knockouts), a 23-year-old 2004 Mexican Olympian is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, made his return from a detached retina injury after an almost one-year layoff by stopping Jonathan Perez in the sixth round on the Pacquiao-Hatton undercard in Las Vegas on May 2nd.

Mares, who is tentatively scheduled to return to action on the July 18th Mayweather-Marquez undercard at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, is excited about continuing his career under Espinoza's guidance.

“I’m thrilled to begin working with Frank Espinoza as my manager,” Mares said. “His work with world champions such as Israel Vazquez and Martin Castillo speaks volumes. I’m confident that having him guiding my career will be a huge advantage as I make my way to a world title bout.

“The 118-pound division is very hot right now and I’m looking forward to facing the very best, whether it is Fernando Montiel, Joseph Agbeko or Vic Darchinyan, who’s moving up to 118.”