WBO Will Investigate Timothy Bradley, Manny Pacquiao Fight

The WBO announced Wednesday that it will undertake a full review of the title fight between Timothy Bradley and Manny Pacquiao. The fight came under intense scrutiny after Manny Pacquiao lost his first fight in seven years during Saturday’s welterweight championship fight.

Bradley claimed Pacquiao’s WBO welterweight belt at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas but controversy broke out after judges Duane Ford and C.J. Ross scored the fight 115-113 in favor of Bradley while Jerry Roth scored 115-113 in favor of Manny.

Boxing promoter Bob Arum who represents both fighters called the decision an outrage and said the display was one of the worst he has ever seen in boxing history.

According to WBO president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel a committee “will meet soon” and “will examine (the fight) with five recognized international judges to evaluate the video of the match and agree to what emerges.”

In a public statement Valcarcel immediately noted that the integrity of the fights judges were not being questioned.

“I want to clarify that in no way does this say we are doubting the capacity of these judges, which we consider as honest and competent judges.”

Pacquiao in the meantime has a clause in his contract that guarantees him a rematch, although the WBO could step in and issue the rematch regardless of that contract.

Manny Pacquiao has already said publicly that he would like the rematch to happen and Bradley has already agreed to the commitment.

Before Manny even stepped into the ring a Nov. 10 match was already set aside for the boxer, it looks like that date will likely now involve Timothy Bradley.