Unbeaten Mares dethrones Agbeko

LAS VEGAS – Mexico’s Abner Mares won the International Boxing Federation bantamweight title and remained unbeaten as a professional with a majority decision over Joseph Agbeko on Saturday.

Mares knocked Agbeko down in the 11th round with an apparent low blow before going on to win the fight on two of the three judges scorecards in the bantamweight tournament final.

Two judges scored the bout 115-111 for Mares, while the other scored the 118-pound bout 113-113.

Mares was the aggressor from the outset, landing a left hook in the opening round that knocked Agbeko through the ropes.

But Agbeko battled back and had a strong fourth round, using his jab effectively and at one point staggering Mares with a right hand.

The Ghana-born Agbeko falls to 28-3 with 22 knockouts, while Mares is now 22-0 with one draw and 13 knockouts.

Mares lived up to his billing and was a 2-1 favorite for the fight which took place at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.