On Tuesday IBF President Daryl Peoples and IBF Championships Chairman Lindsey Tucker completed their review of the IBF Optional Bantamweight Championship bout that took place on August 13, 2011 in Las Vegas, NV, between Joseph Agbeko and Abner Mares. Peoples and Tucker 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.
Mares (22-0-1, 13 KOs), who earned $300,000 according to the Nevada State Athletic Commission, wound up winning 115-111 on two scorecards and the third judge scored it 113-113 as Showtime’s four-man bantamweight tournament came to a conclusion.
Had Mora deducted points — he also could have disqualified Mares — and not made the wrong call on the 11th-round knockdown, Agbeko, who made $130,000, likely would have retained his title on either a draw or close decision.
Based upon their review of the bout, it has been determined by the IBF that inappropriate conduct by the referee affected the outcome of the fight. In accordance with IBF/USBA Rule 3.D., the IBF is ordering a rematch between Joseph Agbeko and Abner Mares for the IBF Bantamweight title which must be held within the next 120 days or by December 14, 2011.
The 25-year-old Mares, a 2004 Mexican Olympian living in Hawaiian Gardens, Calif., could decline the rematch, but then he would be stripped of the title and Agbeko (28-3, 22 KOs), a 31-year-old Ghana native living in New York, would have an opportunity to fight for the vacant belt against the next leading available contender.
Mares better keep his hands up because the second time around the REF, commentators and everyone else watching will be very critical of that.
Hope Mares takes it!
If Mares can hit above the belt and Agbeko stops the rabbit punches then we have yet another ‘fight of the year’ candidate on our hands. I hope Mares takes the fight and that it can be done before December 14.
This is what needed to be done, I think Mares can get the win as long as he keeps his hands up when going to the body.
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