UNDERSTANDBLY, Manny Pacquiao got lauded for his supposed gentlemanly act in accepting the verdict of his latest fight.
Seldom do we see a fighter react in a chivalrous manner after being declared loser in a bout he convincingly won.
Question is, was Pacquiao?s reaction appropriate despite the outcry from those who watched the bout, believing that injustice was done not only to Pacquiao but to the sport in general?
Yes, because had Pacquiao reacted vehemently, it could have caused unwarranted reaction from livid fans inside the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas.
But Pacquiao?s cordiality should end inside the venue.
It?s almost a no-no for Pacquiao to maintain that attitude knowing that those inept judges just positioned Pacquiao to spearhead one of the most forceful battles that may put a stop to a similar misdeed in the near future.
By keeping mum, Pacquiao is disregarding an opportunity correct the ills that has hounded boxing since time immemorial.
There is no need for a rematch at this point. There is no need to avenge that bogus defeat because this time, Bradley is not Pacquiao?s opponent but the system.
UNIQUE LEGACY. Working feverishly to at least convince the Nevada Commission or any other United States agency to conduct an investigation can be considered a victory for Pacquiao.
True, it may be difficult to overturn the decision that made Bradley the supposed winner last weekend.
It will be difficult to prove bribery or gambling had something to do with the phony verdict. These are two of only few allegations that can merit favorable decisions to an aggrieved athlete.
But with the backings of millions of fight fans and dozens of celebrities, who still loath the decision via popular social media sites, it seems worth the try for Pacquiao.
Vox Populi, Vox Dei. The voice of the people is the voice of God.
Pacquiao has already cemented his legacy inside the ring. Outside of it, it doesn?t sound a saintly material despite his bible advocacy.
Here?s wishing Pacquiao lives up to the slogan of one of his major sponsors, Just do it, Manny.
POETIC JUSTICE. Sports Radio station manager Myrna Haber, who regularly covers Pacquiao fights at the Araneta Coliseum, mused that the judges maybe thinking payback time.
Even today, there are those who believe Pacquiao should have lost to Juan Manuel Marquez last November.
After several more discussions, we both agreed there is no comparison between Pacquiao?s bout opposite Marquez and the Filipino icon?s latest tussle against American Timothy Bradley last weekend.
Why compare, when Pacquiao-Marquez III, just like the first two brawls ended in razor-thin fashion, while against Bradley, the Filipino won hands down?
During our tete-a-tete, we came to a conclusion how Pacquiao can serve justice to two Filipinos who were victims of bum decisions.
On May 1999, then world champion Luisito Espinosa dominated Mexican Cesar Soto in their 12-round world featherweight championship held in El Paso, Texas.
In the end, all three judges gave the win to Soto with scores of 115-114, 116-114 and 116-113.
Since then, Espinosa?s life and career spiraled down.
Two years ago in Las Vegas, another Filipino legend Gerry Penalosa gave Puerto Rican Eric Morel fits, only to lose via close but controversial verdict. Penalosa thus surrendered his World Boxing Organization bantamweight crown.
HOMESICK FLOYD. Las Vegas judge Melissa Saragosa has acted swiftly on the petition of Floyd Mayweather Jr. to be under House Arrest.
The Decision: Mayweather will remain in jail.
In his request, Mayweather claims he is being given inferior food, low-quality water and has no suitable training area for a first-rate boxing champion like him.
But Saragosa said Mayweather is not eating properly because the boxer continues to refuse meals given to him.
Also part of Mayweather?s request is for the judge to allow him to join the general jail population to be able to have more physical movement while in confinement.
This was also denied by Judge Saragosa who said that Mayweather?s celebrity status may cause more harm if he is allowed to roam around the detention center.
The undefeated but beleaguered boxing champion is serving a 90-day jail sentence after pleading guilty to domestic battery and harassment charges for physically abusing his ex-girlfriend in front of their children.
Mayweather began his prison stint last June 1.
