IBF Orders Agbeko-Mares Rematch

Within three days of the monumental controversy that stripped Ghana's Joseph Agbeko of the international boxing federation (IBF) Bantamweight title, the IBF has ordered a re-match betwewn Agbeko and Abner Mares, following a protest filed by Agbeko's American promoter Don King.

Official sources said the sanctioning body has asked the two camps to begin negotiations for a fight that must happen by December 14, this year.

According to an IBF statement made available to the DailyGraphic, IBF identified “inappropriate conduct” on the part of referee Russell Mora which largely affected the outcome of the fight. Mares (22-0-1, 13 KO) won a majority decision over Agbeko (28-3, 22 KO) in a fight more remembered for the endless low blows from Mares, which went unpenalised.

Two judges scored the bout 115-111 for Mares, while the other scored it 113-113 to hand the Mexican a majority decision.

Despite failing to penalise the Mexican boxer for persistent low blows, referee Mora shocked the boxing world by not only failing to deduct a point or warn Mares for a blow to Agbeko's groin in the 11th round, but rather stopped the action and administered the mandatory count on Agbeko despite an obvious low blow which forced the Ghanaian boxer onto his knees in pain.

The referee's shock decision drew outrage from the Agbeko camp, thousands of spectators at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and connoisseurs of the sport who described the referee's decision as one of the worst in boxing history.

IBF President, Daryl Peoples, and IBF Championships Chairman, Lindsey Tucker, yesterday completed their review of the Championship bout and directed that a rematch beheld withing the next 120 days or by December 14, 2011 in accordance with IBF/USBA Rule 3.D.