Is Mayweather v Pacquiao now dead in the water? That was one of a few reasons why boxing fans were angered by the Pac-Man’s defeat to Timothy Bradley last night.
Not for the first and certainly not for the last time, controversy erupted in Las Vegas last night after eight-division world champion Pacquiao lost his WBO Welterweight belt to American Timothy Bradley after a controversial split decision at the MGM Grand Arena.
Widespread reports from those in attendance suggested that the Filipino boxer turned congressman was the victim of an extremely harsh call from the judges having dominated the opening two thirds of the fight before fading in the final stages.
Despite reportedly delaying the fight by watching the end of the Miami Heat v Boston Celtics NBA Play-off match in his dressing room beforehand, Pacquiao appeared to have done enough to have won the fight on points, yet two of the judges scored the fight 115-113 in Bradley’s favour, with the third judge scoring the fight 115-113 to Pacquiao.
In fairness to Bradley, he did rally in the final stages and his record – which now reads 29 wins and zero losses – suggests that he’s no mug in the ring, but his victory was unexpected when it was announced all the same.
The decision prompted a chorus of boos from the audience and they weren’t the only ones left baffled.
Amir Khan, a stablemate of Pacquiao’s offered up the following verdict on Twitter and also laid down a challenge to Bradley, who has refused him fights twice in the past.
A rematch is expected to take place in November of this year, meaning that the long-awaited bout between Pacquiao and the currently incarcerated Floyd Mayweather looks like it is destined never to see the light of day.
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