THE camp of Emmanuel Bacosa Pacquiao has formally filed a disciplinary complaint before the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) against boxer Rodelyn Perez and referee Jerold Tomeldan following a controversial bout last weekend.
In a sworn affidavit dated June 26 that was furnished to SPIN.ph, Pacquiao’s manager Joanna Rose B. Dino alleged Perez delivered multiple dangerous 'rabbit punches' —illegal blows directed at the back of the head or base of the skull— during their June 21 fight that Perez won via majority decision.
READ Eman Bacosa knocked down thrice in shock loss to vengeful Perez
The match, billed as the Philippine Boxing Federation Lightweight Championship main event, was held at the DRT Gymnasium in Muntinlupa.
"In the second round of their match, Rodelyn delivered multiple rabbit punches... against Eman,” Dino stated in the affidavit, pointing out that the prohibited strikes continued in the subsequent rounds of the eight-round contest.
The Pacquiao camp also took issue with the officiating, stressing that Tomeldan failed to protect his fighter despite the visible danger.
“Referee Jerold clearly failed to effectively control the bout, including the failure to issue timely and meaningful warnings, impose appropriate penalties and/or take protective action when necessary,” the boxing agent added.
Through a transmittal letter addressed to GAB chairman Atty. Francisco J. Rivera, Dino requested an immediate investigation and the imposition of disciplinary measures against both Perez and Tomeldan.
She emphasized that the complaint was filed not only to seek sanctions for the June 21 bout but to deter similar unsportsmanlike conduct and ensure the protection of all professional boxers in future GAB-supervised events.
The controversial bout handed Bacosa the first loss of his young professional boxing career - tough setback for a rising prospect touted to follow in the footsteps of his legendary father, eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao.
The defeat also impacts Bacosa’s rising showbiz career, momentarily sidetracking his crossover into the world of entertainment.
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