IBF: Mares, Agbeko to fight again after ref flap

In the wake of the controversial win by bantamweight Abner Mares over Joseph Agbeko on Saturday at the Hard Rock Hotel, the IBF has ordered an immediate rematch.

In a statement Tuesday, the IBF said that Mares, who won the title in a 12-round majority decision (115-111, 115-111, 113-113) despite throwing numerous low blows that were not penalized by Las Vegas referee Russell Mora, must fight Agbeko again. The sanctioning body set a deadline of Sept. 15 for the two camps to come up with a date for the rematch no later than Dec. 14.

"Based upon our review of the bout, it has been determined by the IBF that inappropriate conduct by the referee affected the outcome of the fight," IBF president Daryl Peoples said in a letter to both fighters.

Don King, who promotes Agbeko, was obviously thrilled.

"Too often, the first inclination when human frailty is exposed is to sweep it under the rug as though it never happened," King said in a statement. "It is to their credit that Mr. Peoples and Mr. (Lindsey) Tucker (IBF championship chairman) confirmed that when obvious mistakes are made it's best to recognize them and attempt to immediately right the wrong."

Officials for Golden Boy Promotions, which promotes Mares, did not comment on the IBF's decision.

Nevada Athletic Commission executive director Keith Kizer has met with Mora three times since the fight. Mora will not be suspended, but Kizer said Mora will take some time off.

"When a referee has a performance like that, he needs to take time to reflect on it, to review it, to speak with other referees and work his way back up," Kizer said. "I have every confidence that (Mora) will do that."

Kizer said he agreed with the IBF's ruling.

"I'm very glad the IBF has ordered the rematch," he said. "Both fighters deserve it out of fairness to them."

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter @stevecarprj.