By Rick Reeno
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas - Joseph Agbeko is demanding an immediate rematch after a serious backlash over referee Russell Mora's performance in Agbeko's bantamweight unification with Abner Mares. During the first round of their fight, Mares was credited with a knockdown after Agbeko lost his balance and slipped to the mat. And during the eleventh round, Mares was credited with a second knockdown after landing a bad low blow and Agbeko went down in pain.
Besides the two poor knockdown calls, there were numerous low blows landed by Mares and Mora never penalized him. After twelve rounds of action, Mares won a twelve round majority decision to win Agbeko's IBF title. Agbeko is demanding an immediate rematch.
"I was getting hit with some very bad low blows. [Mora] wasn't warning Mares or doing anything about it. The referee shouldnt have to steal my title and give it to Mares. I demand an immediate rematch. This fight doesn't make Mares a champion...no way," Agbeko said.