WBC Orders Immediate Mundine vs. Rabchenko Rematch

During the Annual Convention in Las Vegas, the World Boxing Council ordered an immediate rematch between light-middleweights Sergey Rabchenko and Anthony Mundine.

Mundine won the WBC Silver title after being awarded a controversial split decision over the Ricky Hatton-trained Belarusian in Melbourne, Australia, on November 12.

Mundine had hoped that the victory would put him in line for a shot at Floyd Mayweather Jnr, but the WBC’s Executive Committee has decided that the highly contentious nature of the result warrants another showdown between the pair.

“I’m delighted to hear that the WBC have ordered a rematch,” said Hatton, who attended last week’s convention along with Hatton Promotions’ international matchmaker, Philippe Fondu. “I’ve said before that it wasn’t the worst decision ever, but Sergey definitely won the fight and he wasn’t helped by the fact that two of the judges, not affiliated to the WBC, were from Melbourne.

“It was a phenomenal performance from Mundine and I take my hat off to him, but Sergey outworked him for most of the fight and should have been given much more of the rounds. Sergey also inflicted a knockdown and the referee didn’t score it. Thankfully, now Sergey has a chance to set the record straight and get the win he deserved the first time around.

“I want to thank the WBC for seeing sense and giving us this opportunity.”

Negotiations for the rematch will begin in the New Year.