People's Champ Manny Pacquiao bowed to Timothy Bradley who won via a split decision (115-113 Pacquiao, 115-113, 115-113 Bradley) for the WBO World Welterweight Belt, June 9 (June 10 in Manila) at the MGM Grand Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Manny Pacquiao dominated the first half of the 12 rounds but later in the fight, Timothy Bradley showed his power throwing punches to Pacquiao. Based on ringside punch stats, it was Pacquiao who threw in more punches and the harder ones but those came in short for the Filipino warrior.
Timothy Bradley walked out of the arena with a clean record ending Manny Pacquiao's 15-fight winning streak in 7 years. The controversial decision was roundly booed by the crowd.
Bradley was feeling confident after the whole 12 rounds of boxing, saying that he did not feel Pacquiao's power punches.
"I thought I won the fight," Bradley said. "I didn't think he was as good as everyone says he was. I didn't feel his power."
Meanwhile, Pacquaio turned on the popular song Just Once when asked about the results. He claimed , though that he was never hurt by Bradley's punches, which mostly landed on his arms.
"I did my best," Pacquiao said. "I guess my best wasn't good enough."
Top Rank's Bob Arum, who has contracts with both Pacquiao and Bradley said that there would be a rematch, though he criticized the judging. The possibility that Pacquiao and Bradley will box it all out again in November is now at large.
"I'm going to make a lot of money on the rematch, but this was outrageous," Arum said.
Other show highlights include the singing of the US national anthem by American Idol runner-up Jessica Sanchez and the celebration of Bradley's camp with his wife hugging the manager and beaming with joy.
What do you think of the results? Feel free to comment below.
Photo courtesy of Pinoy Pundit
