Pacquiao v Bradley possible rematch

Lenny Boyle

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Pacquiao demands rematch as the stench of corruption still lingers over Bradley fight

Manny Pacquiao wants a re-match with Timothy Bradley after the WBO (World Boxing Organisation) reevaluated the Filipino’s controversial fight with Bradley and unanimously ruled that he won.

Pacquiao wants a rematch and assures his fans that it is only a matter of time before he gets his title back. Bradley won a split decision bout in Las Vegas on June 10, despite the fact that Pacquiao clearly dominated the bout from the outset. 

The WBO does not have the power to overturn the result of the fight. The Nevada State Athletic commission does. But they won’t. A fact that only adds to the stench of corruption emanating from the sport.

The fact that Pacquiao does not seem to want a forfeit of Bradley’s titles, but prefers a rematch, should only add to the lingering stench surrounding their fight. 

Bob Arum is the promoter for both fighters. He, Pacquiao and Bradley stand to make a great deal of money from a rematch. 

Arum is a boxing promoter in the classic mold. Tough, no nonsense, and won’t shirk from doing anything, to make his fighters, and himself, as much money as humanly possible.

All of this is unfounded speculation. But the fact that such matters are being considered seriously, in any forum, does not reflect well on the sport of boxing. 

We may never know what truly happened. Whether someone was spoken to. Whether judges were overwhelmed with senility and unable to score the fight accurately (one of the judges was in his 70s) but the fishy aroma won’t leave Pacquiao v Bradley. And the post-match reactions of both fighters: Pacquiao not particularly put out. Bradley not trumping his victory like any other boxer, win lose or draw, would have done in those circumstances.

Now all parties seem eager for a re-match. A nothing re-match in which the Pac-man will smack Timothy Bradley around once again. 

Another $50 million dollars for a future Filipino presidential run. 

We’ll never know what truly happened. And the eagerness for a re-match on all sides does not help matters. 

Once again boxing loses; the stench lingers.