Joseph Agbeko wins IBO Batamweight title

<![CDATA[Ghana’s Joseph King-Kong Agbeko this morning beat his Colombian opponent Luis Melendez to annex the IBO Bantamweight Champion at the Accra Sports Stadium.  After 12 rounds of exciting exchanges, the Ghanaian won by a unanimous decision with referee Deon Dwarte of South Africa scoring the bout 117-111, Ataa Eddie Pappoe of Ghana, 119-111 and Laten Oumgar of the Netherlands also scoring the bout 117-113. 

It was quite a difficult tussle for the Ghanaian who made a return to the ring in 15 months.

After a cautious start in the first round the two boxers traded lots of punches much to the excitement of the crowd. 

In the fifth round, one of Agbeko’s favourite left hooks landed on the chin of Melendez which sent him wobbling temporarily but he recovered quickly. Agbeko failed to follow up with a deadly punch which was pretty much the story of the night. 

By this victory, the Ghanaian has improved his record to 29 wins, 22 by way of knock out and four losses. 

The victory which falls on Agbeko’s birthday met up with his loss against Mexican Abner Mares in December 2011 when he lost his IBF Bantamweight Title. 

Meanwhile the Columbian believes the verdict was a bit exaggerated. Through his interpreter, he told journalists after the bout that he thought the bout was closer than the verdict showed. He said he is ready for a re-match anywhere, anytime.]]>