In an absolutely befuddling decision at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Timothy Bradley (29-0, 12 KOs) was given a split decision victory over Manny Pacquiao (54-4-2, 38 KOs) and also given possession of Pacquiao’s WBO welterweight title.
Despite clearly dominating the action in the eyes of most fans and experts, Pacquiao was left shocked at the end of twelve rounds when the decision was announced. Also shocked were the fans in attendance who booed mercilessly. Fans following on social media sites also expressed their unanimous outrage at the decision. From the look of things, even Bradley, himself, was shocked by the final call.
Whatever the case, two of the judges involved in scoring the bout, saw Bradley winning by a close score of 115-113 and a third judge ruled 115-113 in favor of Pacquiao.
On this writer’s scorecard, Pacquiao took the bout comfortably by a score of 118-110 with many rounds not even close.
The focus now shifts to a rematch later in the year and it should also shine a light on the state of judging in the sport.
Not only should the judges who scored the bout in favor of Bradley be disciplined in some way, but even the lone judge who had Pacquiao winning by 115-113 should be sanctioned. The bout was a one-sided romp and a failure to see that needs to be reviewed by the commission.
It is an embarrassing turn of events when fighters who give their hearts and souls in the ring, spend hours training their bodies for combat, and risk their very lives are cheated at the whim of some terrible officials.
There’s a case to be made for the fact that judging is very subjective and different people are likely to see a fight in different ways. But what we saw on Saturday night in the Bradley-Pacquiao bout was more than simple a subjective opinion. For lack of a better word, it was a robbery.
Forget the fact that Manny is a multi-millionaire who will likely regain his belt in a rematch. Forget that he was the beneficiary of a questionable decision in his last bout with Juan Manuel Marquez. This is about what’s right and what’s decent for the sport.
There’s no way to see this in any other light. A travesty was perpetuated against Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand. Forget about a rematch. This decision needs to be overturned now.
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Paul Magno was a licensed official in the state of Michoacan, Mexico and a close follower of the sport for more than thirty years. His work can also be found on Fox Sports and The Boxing Tribune. In the past, Paul has done work for Inside Fights, The Queensberry Rules and Eastside Boxing.
Source:
Boxrec, Boxing Records and Stats
