Pacquiao Investigation: Promoters Call for Probe after Fight vs. Bradley (VIDEO)

It seems that this weekend’s fight between Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley caused such a stir that the ramifications are not yet fully known.

After a long and grueling bout, during which Pacquiao seemed to be in control most of the time and Bradley injured both feet, judges awarded the victory to Bradley – much to the shock of the crowd.

The judges say they can see why Pacquiao supporters would be upset, but they’re also certain they made the right decision.

Judge Duane Ford says he thinks the split decision was likely so controversial due to Pacquiao’s enormous popularity, but added that fans need distance themselves from their emotions in order to get a true reading of the fight.

“If this were American Idol, without a doubt, Manny Pacquiao would have won,” Ford said. “But it was not. I gave an honest opinion. I had Pacquiao up 4-2, I think, at the end of six rounds. I thought he hurt Bradley a couple of times early in the fight – but when the bell rang to end that round, it was over and what happens in one round doesn’t carry over to the next round. They’re separate units…Remember, it’s a boxing match and Bradley demonstrated his ability to box expertly.”

Promoter Bob Arum, who is under much scrutiny for allegedly rigging the outcome, doesn’t agree, however, and is pushing for an investigation into the bout in order to clear his name. Arum’s company happens to promote both fighters.

“I want to investigate whether there was any undue influence, whether the [Nevada Athletic Commission] gave any particular instruction and how they came to this conclusion,” said Arum. “But the whole sport is in an uproar. People are going crazy.”

Bradley challenged Pacquiao to a rematch ever before Saturday’s fight even took place, but that certainly won’t happen until an investigation is done.

Check out highlights from the bout below.

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• Pacquiao’s loss to Bradley leaves a stench (sfgate.com)
• Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley Results Raise Ire of Boxing Fans, Talk of Foul Play (thehollywoodgossip.com)
• Bob Arum: Boxing Must Rid Itself of Shady Promoter (bleacherreport.com)