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MANILA, Philippines - The World Boxing Organization's five-member panel unanimously scored in favor of Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao in his fight with American Timothy Bradley at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas last June 9.
RingTV reported that the five judges, convened by WBO President Francisco "Paco" Valcarcel, found that Pacquiao won the fight with scores the 117-111, 117-111, 118-110, 116-112, and115-113.
However, the boxing website reported that despite the unanimous decision, WBO could not overturn the controversial split-decision. It quoted Valcarcel as saying: "the only thing that we can do is authorize a rematch."
Bob Arum, who promotes both Pacquiao and Bradley, has said that the rematch could be held on November 10. However, there are reports that Pacquiao had reserved the date for a fourth faceoff with Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez.
Pacquiao lost his WBO welterweight belt to Bradley after the controversial decision of the three judges.
The Filipino boxer is currently in the Philippines. He cut short his vacation with his family in Los Angeles to attend to his constituents in Sarangani Province, where he serves as a congressman.
Pacquiao, meanwhile, said he was elated by the WBO panel's decision.
"Salamat sa naging desisyon ng mga panel at 'yun naman ang nasa puso ng mga boxing fans lalong-lalo na 'yung mga kababayan natin. Salamat sa suporta, daghang salamat," Pacquiao said in a radio interview.
Even as the decision would not allow him to regain his belt, he said the ruling of the WBO judges will keep the people's trust in boxing intact.
"Ito siguro ay hindi lang para sa akin kundi sa boxing. Mabigyan ng leksyon 'yung mga judges na gumagawa ng ganun at para 'yung tiwala ng boxing fans is nandyan palagi, 100% palagi ang suporta nila sa boxing," he said.
Source: http://www.philstar.com/sportsarticle.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=63&articleid=819503