Ghana Boxing Authority satisfied with Agbeko/Mares rematch
The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has expressed satisfaction with the decision of the International Boxing Federation (IBF) to call for a rematch of the unification bout between Ghana’s Joseph ‘King Kong’ Agbeko and Mexican Abner Mares, the World Boxing Council (WBC) Bantamweight champion last Saturday, at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, United States of America (USA).
The IBF on Wednesday called for the re-match after a review of the fight by its panel.
The panel said, “The IBF observed several low blow fouls committed by Abner Mares. While referee Russell Mora, issued numerous warnings for low blows during the course of the bout, he neglected to deduct points for these fouls. With 1:03seconds in round 11, 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 the review of the bout, it has been determined by the IBF that the inappropriate conduct by the referee affected the outcome of the fight.
In accordance with IBF/USBA Rule 3, clause 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.
According to the GBA, even though the decision falls short of their expectations it was compensatory, since it would provide the Ghanaian the opportunity to reclaim his lost title.
Speaking to the GNA Sports in Accra on Wednesday, Mohammed Amin Lamptey, Communications Director of the GBA, said the expectations of his outfit was an outright annulment of the fight and immediate re-match since the match was fraught with a lot of illegalities on the part of Mares and referee Mora.
Amin Lamptey noted that the GBA was, however, satisfied with the swift manner the rematch was ordered adding, that it can have a long drawn out issue under the circumstances.
“Anyway it was good news for us, though we expected much from the review, but this will provide Agbeko the chance to redeem his image and prove to the world that he remains a world champion,” Amin Lamptey noted.
The re-match, which has been fixed for December 14, with purse bid fixed for September 14, could be based on available television dates to stage the fight in 2011.
However should attempts to secure television dates fail on Showtime, the re-match could be pushed to 2012 according to Golden Boy Promotions.
Meanwhile, Agbeko is expected in Ghana on Saturday, August 20, and will hold an official press conference on Monday, at 14h00 at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Accra.
Source: GNA