Nevada AG clears Pacquiao-Bradley fight, but never interviewed the judges
Timothy Bradley, left, celebrates his victory over Manny Pacquiao after their WBO welterweight title match.
July 4th, 2012
09:23 AM ET

Nevada AG clears Pacquiao-Bradley fight, but never interviewed the judges

Many people watching the Timothy Bradley-Manny Pacquiao fight believed the underdog stole the welterweight belt during the match, but the Nevada attorney general has said after a review that no crime occurred.

"Pacman," as Pacquiao is affectionately known by fans, appeared to dominate Bradley during the 12-round match at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, but the judges decided otherwise. Two ruled the fight 115-113 for the American boxer, while the other judge gave the score 115-113 for the Filipino champion.

After the judges' scores were announced, many in the sold-out crowd voiced displeasure.

Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto said "there doesn't appear to be any facts or evidence to indicate that a criminal violation occurred" in a letter sent Wednesday to Top Rank fight promoter Bob Arum. Arum had asked for an investigation into the matter after the fight, which he said made him ashamed of boxing.

Last month, the World Boxing Organization had five international judges watch the video of the fight and rescore it. They all gave the match to Pacquiao, though the decision had no impact on changing the final outcome

Although in many ways the matter may be settled, that doesn't mean everyone is happy. Fans and sports blogs ripped the investigation, noting that although the attorney general's office spoke to the referee in the match, they never spoke to any of the three judges who scored the match.

But concerns about the fight were voiced long before that, beginning with Bradley posting on Twitter a photo of a rematch poster before the first fight even took place. Most fans griped that surely, if Pacquiao had won, there'd never be a need for a rematch.

Bradley, a native of Cathedral City, California, remained unbeaten with 29 wins, along with one no-contest.

Pacquiao suffered his first loss since 2005.

In the Philippines, where Pacman is worshiped, there have been accusations of foul play. A Filipino congressman called the fight "rigged." Rep. Joseph Victor Ejercito told the local media, "It's obvious that Pacquiao was ahead. I can't see how he lost."

Pacman' loss leaves Philippines fans stunned 

"People were in shock and disbelief," said Lito Tacujan, sports editor of the Manila-based Philippine Star daily. "Everybody felt furious with the result. They thought the match result was set up or scripted."

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Filed under: Boxing • Nevada
soundoff (91 Responses)
  1. jake

    this was just simply amazing! we all know who the winner is

    July 6, 2012 at 12:49 am | Report abuse |
  2. Matthew

    fight was fixed. i don't believe in boxing anymore. if a rematch is schedule, i and my friends are sure to not get into the HBO trap. never again!

    July 6, 2012 at 4:47 pm | Report abuse |
  3. StanCalif

    I am no fan of boxing, I only read this story because I know someone who is a personal friend of "Pacman".
    Professional wrestling lost its status as a legitimate sport decades ago for match fixing. It appears boxing is headed for the same fate. When big money is involved in wagers, judges will be paid for their decisions. The Nevada attorney general should keep an eye on the judges' bank account and their personal spending for awhile! "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas". No truer words ever spoken!

    July 8, 2012 at 7:48 am | Report abuse |
  4. jaoufa

    Boxing is dead...I will never pay 59.99 for a boxing payperview Never NEVER again...and by the way, I am NOT a fan of Pacquiao...But that decision was a disgrace...Shame on Nevada state athletic commission ....

    July 8, 2012 at 5:13 pm | Report abuse |
  5. Ian

    It seems that all you need to create a championship fighter these days is a promoter that is willing to grease a few palms.

    July 9, 2012 at 6:41 am | Report abuse |
  6. RCDC

    The decision should be reviewed. This bout is video taped and a recounting should be made.

    July 10, 2012 at 7:44 am | Report abuse |
  7. Richard

    In my opinion, the fight was fixed and the boxers, manageers and promoters were all in on it.

    July 11, 2012 at 10:18 am | Report abuse |
  8. Richard

    After all, wouldn't Pacquiao have been visibly upset when the decision went against him, assuming the fix was not in?

    July 11, 2012 at 10:49 am | Report abuse |
  9. sapper4u

    I quess Don King was right, Only in America!! This fight wasfix and we all know it to be true!!

    July 11, 2012 at 11:47 am | Report abuse |
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