King Kong Agbeko declares war on Abner Mares

Joseph Agbeko, former two-time IBF Bantamweight World Champion has declared war on IBF and WBC Silver Bantamweight Champion Abner Mares.

Known as King Kong or the Fresh King, he said the world would witness an explosive, no-holds-barred contest when he clashes with the world champion in a rematch on December 3, 2011. “I am not looking for a knockout on Dec. 3; I’m looking forward to a war.”

Mares controversially defeated Agbeko by a majority decision in a thrilling clash for the International Boxing Federation bantamweight title at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino last August. Referee Russell Mora repeatedly warned Mares for low blows without taking a point, compelling many followers of the game, especially Ghanaians, to cry foul.

“There will be no more low blows this time because the world is watching. I will prove to the world that I deserved to win the last fight and I will be victorious on Dec. 3,” Agbeko said at a widely-attended press conference on Saturday to officially announce the highly anticipated rematch.

He disclosed that he still respects Abner Mares because “at the end of the day we are both warriors and we do our job”.

World Champion Abner Mares on his part said, “I’m really happy and ready to fight on December 3. Right after the first fight, I was asked if I had a problem with a rematch – I said ‘no.’

“I want to fight him again because he deserves it. He’s a great champion. If this is what the people want we’ll give it to them.

“I’m going to prove why I’m the champion come Dec. 3. I’m going to go for a knockout. Last time I prepared for 12 rounds, but this time I have something to prove: I want to prove that I am the champion. I want to knock him out".

Meanwhile, the Friends of Boxing (FOB) has sent encouragement messages to Agbeko to go all out to claim sweet victory for Ghana.