By Luis Sandoval
Joseph Agbeko will try to regain his IBF bantamweight title when he rematches undefeated Abner Mares this Saturday night at the Honda Center, with Showtime televising.
Their first fight, which took place earlier this year, was marred with controversy as referee Russell Mora refused to deduct a point from Mares’ who hit Agbeko with repeated low blows. He also inexcusably ruled Agbeko down in the 11th round when it was clear he was hit by a hard shot below the belt line.
Agbeko however seems to be coming into this fight even more determined and confident than ever. During his recent open workout in Los Angeles, Agbeko advised if Mares is looking for a knockout, he’ll end up getting knocked out.
“Our last press conference he was talking about knockout and I’m glad he mentioned knockout. If he said he wants a knockout then I’m going to knock him out,” proclaimed Agbeko.
“I’m not predicting anything but if he wants knockout I’m going to give him a knockout. This fight belongs to me; it’s my fight. It’s a fight I’m going to take home. Either by knockout or by points, it’s definitely my fight. I’m winning this fight big time”.
Even after sharing the ring with Mares for twelve rounds, Agbeko still feels you can’t know for sure what to expect from an opponent. Only because you saw something in the first fight, doesn’t mean you’ll see it again in a second. One thing he is sure about is what he’ll bring to the fight on December 3rd.
“The only thing King Kong is going in for, I’m going in like a warrior. An African warrior. I’m going in for a war and I’m going in to beat his style”.
You can follow Luis Sandoval on Twitter @truewest007. You can also tune in to Boxingscene’s Official radio show The Boxing Lab every Tuesday from 6-8PM PST with hosts Ernest Gabion, Luis Sandoval, and Ryan Burton.
