Controversial Pacquiao match a topic even in flag raising ceremony

Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Philippines – The defeat of Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao to American Timothy Bradley still remained the hottest topic in town even during the regular Monday morning program of government employees.

Quezon Governor David Suarez, in the opening of his regular inspirational speech at the Capitol here, said he was convinced that Pacquiao won the fight but was just cheated by the match judges of his victory.

“His victory was clear as the sunrise. Now, if that was not seen by the boxing judges, that’s their problem. As far as we’re concerned, Manny really won the match,” Suarez said which was greeted with wild applause by provincial employees.

Suarez said he watched the bout along with 3,000 boxing fans in a free live viewing held at the air-conditioned Quezon Convention Center, which he co-sponsored with a satellite-feed cable television company.

He noted that most sports writers around the globe were one in saying that Pacquiao won the fight.

“Even his critic, Floyd Mayweather Sr., gives Manny the victory,” Suarez said.

Most provincial employees interviewed by the Philippine Daily Inquirer said there should be a rematch to settle the issue once and for all.

Pacquiao lost to Bradley in a split decision in a rounder-match Saturday night in Nevada, USA and ended Pacquiao’s remarkable seven-year unbeaten run.

Bradley has agreed to a rematch with Pacquiao scheduled in November.