By Miguel Rivera

Hall of Fame retired referee Joe Cortez believes a rematch is in order for the welterweight fight between Timothy Bradley and Jessie Vargas, which took place last month for the vacant WBO championship at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

Bradley had control of the fight for most of the rounds but found himself in serious trouble in the final minute of the twelfth. A right hand caught him right on the chin and had him in trouble. Vargas, knowing he was behind on the cards, was trying to do what he could to finish the fight. Referee Pat Russell thought he had heard the final bell and accidently stopped the fight with eight seconds or so remaining.

Vargas, who believes he was robbed of a knockout win, has since petitioned the WBO to make the fight a no-contest and asked the same of the California State Athletic Commission.

"The fight between Vargas and Bradley was one that was all for Bradley. Vargas allegedly came prepared for the fight but he didn't show that he was. Most of the attacks were in favor of Bradley, with the exception of the last round, where Vargas connected with a right hand that hurt Bradley," Cortez told El Vocero.

"The referee Pat Russell, a veteran of the ring, thought he heard the bell and stop the fight when there were 10 seconds left with Bradley hurt. He was wrong. There was a confusion. The most logical thing is a rematch. But if Vargas begins as he left off [being aggressive in the final round], he could win. But if he starts in the same manner as he did [the first time], he will suffer another setback."