WBO agrees to review Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley fight results – Boxing News
The World Boxing Organisation has finally agreed to review the fight results of Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley that took place on June 9 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The fight resulted in a split decision victory for Timothy Bradley, which immediately
became highly controversial as most people in the arena and those who watched the fight thought the fight was in Manny’s control.
Timothy Bradley scored 115-113 on two judges’ cards and Pacquiao scored 115-113 on one judge’s card. The results were followed by crowd’s ‘boos’. Now, Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcarcel, president of WBO, has announced that the organisation will review the scoring
of the fight officially in order to ensure everything went in accordance with the rules of procedure.
According to Valcarcel, the committee has elected five international judges to review the fight. The findings of the judges will be a recommendation to the WBO for their final proceedings. However, Valcarcel said that he does not want to doubt the credibility
of the judges who scored the fight. He added, “I want to clarify that in no way this says that we are doubting the capacity of these judges, which we consider as honest and competent judges.”
Similarly, US Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid who represents Nevada supported the investigation saying, “If an investigation makes everyone feel better, do the investigation.”
Promoter for Bradley and Pacquiao and CEO of Top Rank, Bob Arum is furious over the fight’s decision. According to him, the public has a right to know what went wrong and what were the judges up to when they scored the fight. Arum has officially filed an
appeal with the Nevada State Athletic Commission to review the fight results. Clarifying his stance, Arum said, “It puts boxing in a very horrible light. I'm looking for the sport to do damage control, and the only way it does damage control is if you do a
full and complete investigation.”
He added, “Any other sport — football, baseball — the commissioner's office would investigate.”
For now, fans will have to wait for the commission to review the fight and suggest any appropriate changes in the results.
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