Members of the boxing fraternity, especially Ghanaians, woke up yesterday to the refreshing news that IBF titlist Joseph Agbeko has been given a chance to reclaim his lost title.
Indeed, the decision by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) to order a rematch has stirred the �defeated� champion and he promised a real showdown when he clashes with Abner Marez for the second time in December 14.
Agbeko lost his IBF Bantamweight title controversially to Mexican Abner Marez last Saturday in the final Showtime Bantamweight tourney at Las Vegas, USA.
Referee Russell Mora�s decision to score the bout against Agbeko which experts and the lay alike believe should have gone in the Ghanaian�s favour, angered followers of the game. And in accordance with IBF/USBA Rule 3.D., the IBF is ordering a rematch between Agbeko and Mares for the IBF Bantamweight title, which must be held within the next 120 days or by December 14, 2011.
Breaking the good news via telephone yesterday, an elated Agbeko said, �I am extremely happy about the decision for a rematch. It is an opportunity to prove that I am the real champion.
�I thank God the whole world saw the injustice and the calculated attempt to deny me my title. I pray for fair officiating, and I will give my best shot. It will be a tough battle but I will do my best to prove a point,� he added.
�I am pleased to see that the International Boxing Federation, the organization that sanctioned the world championship match between IBF champion Joseph Agbeko and Abner Mares on Saturday at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, took such swift action in ordering an immediate rematch,� said legendary boxing promoter Don King.
�They wasted no time in determining that Russell Mora, the referee assigned to Agbeko vs. Mares, was in violation of their rules by displaying �inappropriate conduct� for ignoring repeated low blows against my fighter, Joseph Agbeko.
�I commend IBF President Daryl Peoples and IBF Championship Chairman Lindsey Tucker for confirming what everyone who witnessed the bout already knew,� Don King stated on a boxing site.
�I look forward to giving two great young athletes, Joseph Agbeko and Abner Mares, the fair playing field they deserve to display their wonderful boxing skills,� he added.