Following his action-packed decision loss to Leo Santa Cruz back in August, Abner Mares announces that he'll be back in the ring in February for his return bout. And Mares (29-2-1, 15 KOs) is hoping that he'll be able to ink a deal with current WBC featherweight titleholder Gary Russell Jr. (26-1, 15 KOs).

"The only thing that I can say for now is that in February I have a fight. I'm in discussions for a rival. There are a lot of names being considered....but we would love a fight against Gary Russell, the WBC featherweight champion."

And even despite losing to Santa Cruz, which clearly wasn't the result he had hoped for, Mares rates 2015 as a very good year for him.

"For me, it was not the result I expected. It was a great fight and I think that despite the defeat, this year was memorable. We had an evenly fought match that is considered as one of the very best of the year."

Tel me, fans, if a Russell Jr-Mares bout did come together, and I can't tell you the likelihood that it would, how would you see that fight shaking out? Both fighters are seen to be highly skilled with at least some vulnerabilities -- and that should be sufficient enough to make it an interesting match-up.