LAS VEGAS. - Manny Pacquiao (04/02/54, 38 KOs) had fewer problems than expected, but in the end, it was Tim Bradley (29-0, 12 KOs), who won the OMB welterweight title in a split decision.

The Philippine’s performance was better in the ring, but what happened to the Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez last November, it also happened to Pacquiao this time, and saw his unbeaten record of more than seven years fall into the hands of scoundrels.

Bradley was favored in two of three scorecards of 115-113, one more than Manny, to end up in one of the worst decisions in boxing history. Pacquiao, who came to Las Vegas to clear doubts about his boxing level due to problems outside the ring, did not lost before the eyes of the world, but in the eyes of the judges.

The Philippine’s left hand was commanding at all times, which limited Bradley who never figured out his rival’s style; Pacman’s domination confirmed what he said about Bradley’s abilities prior to the fight.

Through 12 rounds, Pacquiao had no trouble dominating Bradley who started very energetic, but was steadily diminished by the Philippine’s speed, who experienced a terrible decision.

Pacquiao said he had won the fight, and the attending public agreed with the Philippine, which seven months ago was favored in his fight against Juan Manuel Marquez, but that today, he experienced something that makes people doubt about the boxing authorities more than ever.

On previous fights, Jorge 'Travieso' Arce from Sinaloa, took advantage of a serious mistake by the Puerto Rican Jesus Rojas to end the fight with a No Contest in the second round, Arce had sent Rojas to the floor in the first round after a good left hook. Rojas hit the Mexican below the belt, and when Arce was resenting the low blow, the Puerto Rican hit Arce between the ear and neck, which sent Arce to the ground, who never got up again to resume the fight.

Arce Armenta, 32, offered an immediate rematch and said he was dominating the opponent, Rojas said that Arce had been a coward for not wanting to fight anymore. In the end, both came out with the same record they had prior to the fight, Jorge with a record of 60-6-2 with 46 knockouts, and Jesus with 18-1-1 with 13 knockouts.

The surprise of the night was the 37-year old veteran Randall Bailey (43-7, 37 KOs), who knocked out Mike Jones (26-1, 19 KOs), after sending Jones to the floor in round 10 and 11 and forcing the referee to stop the fight, which undoubtedly gave Bailey the IBF welterweight title.

editorial@sandiegored.com

Original text : Salvador Rodríguez

Translation : Daniel Blanco