The World Boxing Association (WBA) has ordered an immediate rematch of the September 28th junior welterweight world title fight between Batyr Akhmedov and Mario Barrios. The two sides now have thirty days for a free negotiating period before a purse bid is called. Barrios won the first fight by scores of 114-112, 116-111 and 115-111, which were widely criticized.
At the request of World of Boxing Promotions, the WBA conducted a review of the fight by independent judges and concluded an immediate rematch was in order.
“I’m very happy to have the support of my team and to have the WBA order the immediate rematch,” said the 2016 Olympian who represented Turkey. “I knew during the fight I was winning by a wide margin and was stunned when the fight was over at the announced scores. The rematch provides me the opportunity to fulfill my dream of becoming a world champion.”
I watched this fight: a very interesting battle between two undefeated fighters. Barrios won the first five rounds, and maybe one more but Akhmedov completely controlled the second half (except for one good punch by Barrios in the 12th). I had the fight a draw, and I don’t understand why either fighter thought that they “clearly” won the fight. The official scoring was awful (wide margin win for Barrios).
I think the rematch will be similarly interesting: Akhmedov will be the aggressor again and Barrios will have a hard time to keep him off. Akhme is well conditioned and he can throw for 12 rounds. Barrios may be technically more composed but I think he lacks the fire power to keep someone like Akhmedov at bay for long. Psychologically speaking, Akhmedov may have won the first fight, but in terms of actual scoring it was a draw or a win by one point by either fighter.
I had Barrios in a close win! Same outcome in the rematch and maybe a KO win for Barrios!
Barrios definitely lost that fight! No if’s, and’s or buts about it! THAT’S why he’s getting such a speedy rematch. The WBA knows that decision wasn’t righteous. That’s what gives boxing a black-eye!
Barrios won the first fight and will win the rematch!! Guaranteed