THE World Boxing Organization (WBO) favored Filipino Manny Pacquiao as the clear winner in his highly-disputed welterweight championship fight with American Tim Bradley two weeks ago at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Based on the scorecards of the five international judges commissioned by the boxing body as panel members tasked to review and tally the scores based on the video of the June 9 title bout, all of them had the 33-year-old Pacquiao winning the match – with four of the judges scoring it in convincing fashion.
WBO president Francisco `Paco’ Valcarcel didn’t divulge the name of the judges, but disclosed that the five-member panel had it for the Pacman by scores of 117-111-, 117-111, 118-110, 116-112, and 115-113.
Pacquiao the least surprised by the review, saying: "Alam naman natin sa puso natin kung sino talaga ang nanalo."
The outcome was in stark contrast to the official scorecards which had the 28-year old Bradley winning by a stunning split decision. Judges Duane Ford and CJ Ross scored it both 115-113, while Jerry Roth saw it for the Filipino southpaw, 115-113.
For his part, Valcarcel admitted he also had the sensational boxer from the Philippines winning, eight rounds to four.
But the WBO president made it clear the boxing body doesn’t have the power to overturn decisions in title fights. Instead the most it can do, according to Valcarcel, is `to authorize a rematch.’
Valcarcel had to convene the WBO `championship committee’ comprised of five international judges in `accordance with the rules of procedure’ by the ring body following the public outcry about the outcome of the title encounter, which majority believed Pacquiao won convincingly.
A rematch clause has been enclosed in the fight contract. Pacquiao initially appeared interested in invoking his right to accept it, but of late, has been exploring other possible options, including a fourth fight with Mexican rival Juan Manuel Marquez.
In light of this development, Valcarcel said he will be leaving the decision-making to Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum and Bradley’s manager Cameron Dunkin.
“Cameron Dunkin and Top Rank, they have all received the information," Valcarcel said. “Since they all work with the same promoter, they are working on that and we will leave that to them.”
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
