After the IBF ordered an immediate rematch between new bantamweight titlist Abner Mares and Joseph Agbeko yesterday, members of Mares' management and promotional team have stated that they're on board with the idea, and that there shouldn't be any problems making the fight by the December 14 deadline.
Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer had this to say to The RING's Lem Satterfield:
"Well, you know, I think that fight fans want to see a rematch. Yes they want to see a rematch. Every time that you have controversy and you have unanswered questions, people like to get the answers.
"I think that since the IBF has ordered a rematch, then, you know, we have no problem with that. As a matter of fact, I was already on the call with [Showtime's] Ken Hershman this morning."
And manager Frank Espinoza Jr had this on his Twitter account, from Frank Sr:
"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 what took place on Saturday, and 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."
Mares (22-0-1, 13 KO) and Agbeko (28-3, 22 KO) have until September 15 to strike a deal for the rematch, or it will go to a purse bid.
It's good to see Team Mares not disputing the need for a rematch. While they're careful to say that Mares is not to blame (and that's a fair argument, in its own way), everyone realizes that there are too many questions and too much unfinished business here to avoid a rematch. It's also still the best fight for Mares, as Nonito Donaire is probably still a step too far, and another fight with Agbeko just seems to be the way to go.