IBF orders Mares-Agbeko rematch

After Saturday’s controversial majority decision between Abner Mares and then-IBF bantamweight champion Joseph Agbeko, the IBF has ordered an immediate rematch between both fighters.

The official order, coming from IBF president Daryl Peoples, cited Mares’ repeated low blows and referee Russell Mora’s “inappropriate conduct” which “affected the outcome of the fight” by failing to deduct points from the fighter. He also noted the resulting 11th-round knockdown of Agbeko, also caused by a Mares low blow.

The rematch must take place before Dec. 14 with a purse bid scheduled for Sept. 15 if representatives of both fighters can’t come to terms by then.

Another option for Mares’ promoter, Golden Boy, would be to vacate the IBF strap and keep the WBC silver bantamweight title, which was also at stake last Saturday, in an effort to land a more lucrative bout with current WBC bantamweight champ, Nonito Donaire.