Trainer Joel Diaz swung back Wednesday at those attacking his fighter, Timothy Bradley of Cathedral City, for winning a controversial split-decision victory over Manny Pacquiao for the WBO welterweight title.
?We are the victims here, man,? Diaz said in a phone interview Wednesday. ?People are attacking us like we had something to do with it. We had nothing to do with it. All we did was our job.?
Later in the day, Bradley confirmed what his trainer said.
?It hasn’t been all freakin’ smiles and happy faces,? Bradley said. ?It’s been a real draining experience. It’s all good. It’s nothing I can’t handle. I’m over it.?
On Wednesday, World Boxing Organization President Paco Valcarcel said his organization will look into the fight with five other judges.
On Saturday night, the undefeated Bradley earned a controversial split decision over Pacquiao, handing the boxing superstar his first loss in seven years.
Nearly all the boxing writers at ringside believed Pacquiao won the fight. Promoter Bob Arum, who represents both fighters, said he thinks Pacquiao won by an overwhelming margin of 10 rounds to two.
Since the fight, Diaz said his phone rings at least 50 times a day and said he won’t answer it if he doesn’t recognize the number. He’s already tired of the negative comments.
But Diaz is more upset for Bradley.
?I talked to him yesterday. He told me, ?You want to know how I feel? I feel depressed. I feel mad about it. I totally lost the love for the sport. We’re being attacked like it’s our fault.’?
Much of the criticism has been aimed at the three judges. CJ Ross and Duane Ford scored the bout 115-113 for Bradley to give him the title. Jerry Roth scored it 115-113 for Pacquiao.
Arum leveled much of the criticism on the judges.
?We didn’t go to the swap meet and say, ?Who wants to be a judge for this fight?’ They’re professional people who saw the fight,? Diaz said.
Valcarcel told both USA Today and Yahoo! Sports he doesn’t expect to find any corruption or irregularities. But if he did, Valcarcel would only order a rematch and Bradley’s title will not be stripped.
