By Chris LaBate
Frank Espinoza Sr., the manager of IBF/WBC silver bantamweight champion Abner Mares, fully supports the IBF's recent order which directs his boxer to face Joseph Agbeko in a rematch. A purse bid has been scheduled for September 15 and the rematch has to take place by December 14.
Last Saturday at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Mares won a twelve round majority decision over Jospeh Agbeko to unify their bantamweight titles. But, the officiating by referee Russell Mora caused a major post-fight backlash. Mares landed numerous low blows throughout the contest and Mora never took a point - despite giving the boxer several warnings.
Mora's two knockdown calls, against Agbeko, were also big factors in the controvesy. Agbeko appeared to slip in the first round after losing his balance, and he was hit by a low blow when he fell to the mat in the eleventh round.
Mares is ready to erase any doubts about his performance in the rematch.
"We certainly respect the IBF’s ruling and understand it. It’s the right call for Abner, who wants to clear up any doubts about. It's the right thing for Agbeko who fought a great fight. Really, this was the right thing for boxing. Golden Boy and Team Mares looks forward to clearing up any questions that remain in the rematch," Espinoza said.