WBO won't review Pacquiao vs Horn fight

MANILA, Philippines – The World Boxing Organization has turned down the request of the Games and Amusement Board to conduct a thorough review of the officiating and judging in Manny Pacquiao’s fight with Jeff Horn last Sunday.

In its official Twitter account, the WBO, whose welterweight title previously held by Pacquiao was on the line in the bout, stressed that the referee’s discretion and the judges’ decision are final and irreversible.

Horn won via unanimous decision, with the three judges scoring the fight in his favor, 117-111 and 115-113 (twice). Pacquiao and his camp, however, believe they won the 12-round bout at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.

GAB, the regulatory body for all professional sports and athletes in the Philippines, then called for the WBO to take a second look into the fight.

Pacquiao himself backed the GAB’s call for a review, saying the WBO should probe the fight “so as not to erode the people's interest in boxing.”

But the Puerto Rico-based sanctioning organization there was no fraud or violation of laws committed by the fight’s officials to merit such an investigation.

The discretion of a referee or judge cannot be reversed, except in a case of fraud or violation of laws which is not the case in Pac vs Horn

— WBO (@WorldBoxingOrg) July 4, 2017

The WBO said the best way to settle the matter would be in a rematch, something Pacquiao is contractually entitled to.

The contract for Pac vs Horn provides a rematch clause, which the WBO is in accordance if the promoters decide to move forward.

— WBO (@WorldBoxingOrg) July 4, 2017