Packman goes down in split decision

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Published time: June 10, 2012 09:02
Edited time: June 10, 2012 13:02

The boxing world is shocked by the judges’ controversial split decision, which ended Manny Pacquiao’s seven-year unbeaten run on Saturday night.

­Arguably the best pound-for-pound boxer on the planet lost his WBO welterweight belt to Timothy Bradley Jr. of the US after 12 rounds of action in Las Vegas.   

Pacman came out firing and took the fight to the American early on. Bradley managed to rebound half-way through the bout, but the Filipino still seemed to be in control of what was happening in the ring.

The official statistics also reflected Pacquiao's nearly double advantage in the number power punches landed.

So, the crowed were booing when the American boxer was announced the winner on a split decision.

Judge Jerry Roth scored 115-113 for Pacquiao, while CJ Ross (115-113) and Duane Ford gave the fight to Bradley with the same 115-113 score.  

"I accept what the result is," Pacquiao said after the bout. "I respect the judges, I can’t blame them. It is a part of the game. I give thanks to the Lord. I do my best, but my best wasn't good enough."

But when asked whether he thinks he won the fight, the 33-year-old replied without hesitation:  "No doubt, yes".

"It was a good, competitive fight," Bradley said. "Every round was pretty close. Pacquiao won some of the early rounds. I controlled the later rounds with my jab. I need to go home and review the tape.”

“He is a strong puncher. He rocked me a couple of times in the fight but I held my ground and fought to the end. This is boxing," the 28-year-old added.

The American stressed he’s ready to give Pacquiao a rematch, with the bout already rumored to be taking place on November 10.

Meanwhile, promoter Bob Arum was outraged by the judges, doubting their profession skills.

“This was totally insane. What do you say after that?” he wondered. “Nothing has stunned me more than this decision in my career in boxing.” 

"People don't know what they're watching anymore. I'm going to make a lot of money [in a rematch], but who's going to take this sport seriously?" Arum added.

After the bout, "Desert Storm" Bradley has improved his perfect ring record to 29-0 (12 KOs), while Pacquiao now stands at 54-4-2 with 38 knockouts.