Boxing: Pacquiao loss is latest bout of controversy
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Boxing finds itself mired in controversy again after fierce criticism of the decision to award Timothy Bradley a split-decision victory over hot favourite Manny Pacquiao at Las Vegas' MGM Grand in the early hours of yesterday.
The Filipino fighter appeared to have done enough to take the decision, despite slowing down in the later stages, but was stunned by the decision which cost him his WBO welterweight belt.
Two judges scored the bout 115-113 to the unbeaten Bradley and one handed the win to Pacquiao by the same score, the crowd reacting angrily and jeering when the verdict was returned.
Defeat must now place the long-delayed but much-debated fight between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr in serious doubt. "He never hurt me with his punches," Pacquiao said. "I did my best. I guess my best wasn't good enough. Most of his punches hit my arm. I don't know what happened."
Bradley added: "Manny hurt me a few times with his left hand. He's a beast. But my corner told me if I won the last round, I'd win the fight. I've got to give Manny a rematch."
Criticism of the decision came thick and fast, with Pacquiao's training partner Amir Khan branding it "robbery", Lennox Lewis calling it disgraceful and promoter Bob Arum saying it was "nuts".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments