IBF Bantamweight champ Joseph King Kong Agbeko wants to pay back his fans for their unflinching support even in difficult times with victory over Abner Mares in their Bantamweight decider come April 23rd.

Agbeko (28-2, 22 KOs) faces Mares (21-0-1, 13 KOs) in the Bantamweight Tournament Finals after reclaiming the IBF crown from Yohnny Perez in what was a semi final of the Don King fashioned boxing tourney.

The Ghanaian is grateful for his fans’ support during the days when he lost the title to Perez.

“I want to thank all of my fans for believing in me and for being behind me. Ever since I lost the fight against Yonnhy Perez they were still behind me so I became a champion again. I still need their support and I’m going to win for them against Abner Mares,” Agbeko said on the 117th edition of *On the Ropes Boxing Radio* * *programme in America.

The Ghanaian departed the country for the US just over a fortnight ago to finalise preparations for the fight to unify the Bantamweight belts. He is very confident of victory but Agbeko has refused to reveal any keys to victory against Mares.

“I have no plan for that. My coach is working on the plans for that fight. I have no plans. The only thing I think I have to do is train hard and be at my best level of fitness because I want to be able to do anything that I want to do. The most important thing is I have to make him pay because he’s a good fighter, but I was here before him so I have to make him pay the price of experience,” 30 year old Agbeko said.

Obviously, Agbeko is not taking the opponent lightly. His respect for Abner Mares is further underlined by his refusal to make any predictions. Instead the Ghanaian pride is concentrated on getting into shape and ready for any eventuality on April 23.

“I don’t really know. I respect every opponent that I face. It might be the distance, it might be a knockout. I can’t tell right now but the ring will decide, the most important thing is I know I’m training seriously.

“You know it’s a good matchup. Abner Mares is a very good kid and I think he’s a very good fighter hungry for success so I’m looking for a great fight. He sees himself as the newest kid on the block and he’s quite confident, and I think he’s good.”