IBF Orders Abner Mares To Grant Joseph Agbeko Rematch

The IBF has ordered an immediate rematch of the controversial fight between Abner Mares and Joseph Agbeko. The Mexican was adjudged winner by majority decision in Sunday�s Bantam weight contest but his victory has been disputed with the impartiality of referee Russell Mora called into question. Too many times, Mares got away with low blows and only got harmless cautions from the referee. It got worse in the 11th round when an obvious low blow hit the �temples� of Agbeko who went down in the process. Instead of deducting points from Mares, Referee Mora counted it as a knockdown against Agbeko culminating into a close victory to Mares. Two judges gave the fight to Mares at 115 to 111, with ringside judge C.J. Ross drawing it at 113 for both men. The performance of Mora has been condemned by many. Angry Agbeko described Mora as a racist and demanded an immediate rematch. It appears IBF has listened to his demands and ordered Mares to grant Agbeko his wishes. A letter cited by boxing scene.com from IBF has called for Mares to grant Agbeko the rematch before December 14. "[The IBF] observed several low blow fouls committed by Abner Mares. While the referee, Russell Mora, issued numerous warnings for low blows during the course of the bout, he neglected to deduct points for these fouls. With 1:03 left in round eleven, Joseph Agbeko was hit with a low blow foul that forced him to the canvas. Mr. Mora determined that the blow landed by Mares was legal and began to count indicating that a knockdown had occurred. Based upon our review of the bout, it has been determined by the IBF that inappropriate conduct by the referee affected the outcome of the fight," wrote IBF president Daryl Peoples. The rematch has to take place by December 14 and a purse bid has been scheduled for September 15. Meanwhile, Joseph Agbeko is expected to return to Ghana on Saturday