After a 15-fight winning streak since March 2005, Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao lost in a split decision and surrendered his World Boxing Organization welterweight to Timothy Bradley at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, yesterday.

Judge Jerry Roth scored the bout 115-113 for Pacquiao, while C.J. Ross and Duane Ford both saw it 115-113 for Bradley, a decision that left most Negrenses, who watched the fight live via satellite feed at their homes and in public venues, stunned and confused.

Crowds at gyms and hotels in Negros Occidental booed the decision, charging that Pacquiao was cheated.

Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, who once again held the Philippine flag for Manny’s corner during the introduction, said “Manny was robbed of victory right before the eyes of millions. There was no way Bradley could have won that kind of fight. Even the statistics were clearly for Manny.”

But even in defeat, Pacquiao was gracious, and, as always, a professional and a gentleman. Inside the locker room with his family and friends, he told them not to be sad because God has a bigger plan than our plans, Leonardia said.

“His reaction overall shows maturity, sportsmanship and statesmanship,” he added.

WBO light flyweight reigning champion Donnie Nietes, who watched the fight at the Murcia Cultural Center with Rep. Alfredo Benitez (3rd District, Neg. Occ.) and Mayor Andrew Montelibano, said Pacquiao was a victim of a `mafia’.

“Manny dominated the fight and everybody saw it. We were all surprised when the decision was announced. It could be that a `mafia’ was involved and they wanted Pacquiao to lose,” Nietes said.

Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. said he saw a weaker Pacquiao fighting Bradley and he observed that the Filipino icon was not in a tiptop condition.

“He seemed to have lost his focus. This defeat of Pacquiao reflects a real-life situation, reminding all of us to keep our focus and determination to win. Once we let down our guards, somebody more determined will grab the opportunity and prevail,” Marañon said.

Asked if Pacquiao should retire, the governor said the decision depends on the boxer himself, although the stakes involved in every fight will remain enticing.

Benitez, who was watching Bradley’s reactions when the decision was announced, said “just like Bradley, I was surprised with the outcome”.

Asked if he thinks that his colleague in Congress should consider retirement, Benitez said Pacquiao should fight Mayweather first.

Games and Amusement Board of the Philippines chairman Juan Ramon Guanzon, who was also in Las vegas, said all Filipinos who watched the fight can’t believe the decision.

“But I think, although he won, Pacquiao is slipping…first time I saw him get tired in the late rounds,” Guanzon said.

Mayor Andrew Montelibano also agreed that the judging of the fight was not right. For him, eight rounds belong to Pacquiao, while Bradley won in four rounds.

“Bradley himself was surprised that he won based on his reaction after when the decision was announced,” Montelibano said, adding that it is not yet time for Pacquiao to retire.

Also expressing confusion over the result of the fight was West Negros University sports director Tony Agustin, who said that for Bradley to beat a world champion like Pacquiao, he should have done it via knockout or total domination.

“Don’t really know what the judges saw…more clean hits belong to Pacquiao,” Agustin said.

During the post-fight press conference, pictures posted on the wires showed Bradley in a wheelchair. He told the members of the press that he injured both ankles, one, he thought, when he stepped on the foot of referee Robert Byrd.

Pacquiao, holds a title in eight weight divisions and is considered the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

During the post-fight interview, he said he thought he had done enough to win.

"I respect the decision, but 100 percent I believe I won the fight," he said.

Pacquiao fell to 54-4-2 with 38 wins inside the distance while Bradley improved to 29-0 with 12 wins inside the distance.

Meanwhile, Leonardia said that the temporary setback only made Pacquiao more popular.

“The rematch is already anticipated. Meanwhile, the Manny Pacquiao legend lives on,” Leonardia said.*NAB

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