Pacquiao Vs. Bradley

Pacquiao Vs. Bradley, Timothy Bradley ended Manny Pacquiao’s 15-fight winning streak with a stunning split decision victory, seizing the Filipino icon’s World Boxing Organization welterweight title.

Judge Jerry Roth scored the bout 115-113 for Pacquiao, while C.J. Ross and Duane Ford both saw it 115-113 for Bradley, even though it appeared Pacquiao hurt Bradley throughout the fight — particularly with his straight left hand.

Pacquiao fell to 54-4-2 with 38 wins inside the distance, suffering his first defeat since he dropped a 12-round unanimous decision to Erik Morales in March 2005.

Pacquiao, a world champion in eight weight classes who is reckoned the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, said he thought he had done enough to win.

“Absolutely, yes,” he said during a post-bout interview, to cheers from the crowd of 14,206 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

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

Bradley, who improved to 29-0 with 12 wins inside the distance, said of his opponent: “He’s a strong puncher, he rocked me a couple of times in the fight, but I held my ground and fought to the end. This is boxing.

“Every round was pretty close. Pacquiao won some of the early rounds. I controlled the later rounds with my jab.”

Promoter Bob Arum called the decision “unfathomable” and “incomprehensible”.

“I want to congratulate Tim Bradley, he’s going to make a lot of money,” Arum said. “But I want to say I have never been ashamed as much to be associated with the sport of boxing as I am tonight.”

Bradley came out aggressive and got the better of the exchanges early in the first round before Pacquiao hurt the American with three straight lefts late in the round. (AFP)