Pacquiao sluggish, lacks fire in stunning defeat to Bradley

CEBU, Philippines - From their own standpoint, some of Cebu's prominent personalities in boxing had Manny Pacquiao winning by  decision over Tim Bradley, but they were unanimous in saying that the Filipino sports hero performed below par and did not perform what was expected of him in a shocking loss to the still undefeated American world champion.

In what could be considered as "Upset of the Decade", Pacquiao lost his WBO welterweight belt after falling prey to Bradley, a 5-1 underdog, via split verdict on Saturday night (yesterday afternoon Phl time) before a stunned 16,000 plus crowd at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

So painful the defeat was that Pacman's wife Jinkee and his four kids - who watched the fight of their legendary father at the ringside for the first time - were left teary-eyed after the verdict was announced.

Judge Jerry Roth awarded the fight to Pacquiao, 115-113, but CJ Ross and Duane Ford both gave it 115-113 for Bradley in an unpopular decision that drew jeers from disgruntled fans.

While Pacquiao was gracious enough to accept defeat, some pundits felt that the eight-division world champion was the rightful winner of the 12-round contest. However, they were one is declaring that Pacman is no longer the lightning-quick warrior armed with devastating punching power he used to be.

"I had Pacquiao winning the fight but Manny has really slowed down. It was a close fight but I also predicted that Bradley could outpoint Pacquiao and he did," said the highly esteemed ALA patriarch Antonio "Bidoy" L. Aldeguer.

"I feel Pacquiao won. It was 8 rounds to 4, but Manny lost the last two rounds which sometimes could sway the judges. As always, l believe the last two rounds are the most important," said ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael P. Aldeguer.

"But Pacquiao did not perform at par. For me, I want a rematch and definitely he will come back strong," said Aldeguer in a personal call strongly backed up by CITOM chairman Sylvan "Jack" Jakosalem, a broadcaster and boxing analyst, and two-division world titlist Donnie "Ahas" Nietes.

"Pacquiao-Bradley II is a must," said Jakosalem. "Many will disagree with the result. It was obvious Manny won even by unanimous decision by around 3 rounds. But that's what boxing is all about. But one thing for sure, Pacquiao is already showing is age. Having 60 fights already will always take its toll," said Jakosalem.

Nietes likewise disagreed with the judges' decision, even as he expressed his hopes of a return bout.

"I don't agree with the judges. It should have been unanimous decision for Pacquiao. I was really dismayed by the result," said Nietes. "It would have been a different thing had Pacquiao knocked out Bradley. There would have been no controversy. But we can't force things out because Bradley was also a tough opponent. I hope a rematch will happen."

International promoter Sammy "Don King" Gello-ani and long-time trainer Brix Flores had the same words to say.

"I thought Pacquiao won but he has really slowed down. He has lost his sting," said Gello-ani. "A rematch is a big possibility but who knows Pacquiao might retire for good," he added.

"Manny lacked the usual fire in him. He could have rattled Bradley on several occasions but he could no longer capitalize on his speed," said Flores.

Boxing manager/promoter Aljoe Jaro also noted that Pacquiao is no longer the explosive fighter he was once before, but he still has some kinds words for the fighting congressman from Sarangani province.

"For me, it was a close fight that I'd rather give it a draw. But I must admit that Pacquiao has really slowed down," said Jaro. "After this, we don't know if he will take a rest but even if he lost, I think this will not affect the status of Philippine boxing." THE FREEMAN