By Peter Wells: Yet again there is controversy surrounding a world title fight, this time it’s not the judges but a combination of referee Russell Mora and fighter Abner Mares.

Last time out Mares beat Vic Darchinyan but despite being deducted a point, Mares rarely went a round without landing a low blow. Darchinyan made it clear that he was disgusted that Mares was not disqualified. Abner Mares once again failed to keep his punches above the belt only this time he was at times landing 5 or 6 low blows a round.

There not accidents either as, like with Darchinyan, he sometimes landed 2 or 3 low blows in a row. The refereeing and Mares’ tactics were disgusting and don’t belong in this sport.

Despite giving several warnings the referee refused to deduct a point. Then in round 11 just to top it all off when Mares clearly strayed low and Agbeko went down in clear pain the referee gave the champion a count. He later said from where he was standing it was on the belt, despite him standing right next to the two fighters and had the clearest view in the arena.

Mares though can not be excused for the referee’s display, as in his last 24 rounds of fighting he’s proved these illegal shots are difficult to call an accident.

Unfortunately the fact that it was a good action fight has been considerably overshadowed. Mares was strong early but did fade down the stretch as Agbeko battled to reverse the scorecards.

As for the future of the two fighters a rematch has to be made. Unless Mares learns how to land a body shot to the body he is heading for a first defeat by disqualification. Then there’s the obvious fight against Filipino sensation Nonito Donaire.

As for the referee. Well there’s only one thing he should be hearing… Your Fired!!!!!!