![]() |
| Jeff Horn’s welterweight world title winning moment. |
The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has
agreed to review the controversial points decision that led to Jeff Horn's
welterweight world title win over Filipino veteran Manny Pacquiao, but cannot
overturn the decision unless there is evidence of fraud.
The unanimous decision in the Australian's
favor was questioned by observers and the Philippines Games and Amusements
Board (GAB) sent a letter asking for a "thorough review" of the fight
on Monday. Pacquiao backed the letter in his own statement on Wednesday.
"I would be very grateful if the GAB
can provide any evidence indicating fraud or violation of law," WBO
president Francisco Valcarcel said in his response on Thursday.
"The purpose of this review is to be
able to give the fans certainty of who was the winner of the bout, even though
we do not have the power to reverse the decision of the judges."
Horn won the match after judges scored the
bout 117-111, 115-113 and 115-113 in the 29-year-old's favor. The WBO's review
will have five judges re-watching the fight and providing their own scores.
Valcarcel further backed the original
judges of the fight namely Waleksa Roldan, Chris Flores and Ramon Cerdan.
"The officials who participated in
this fight are all professional, distinguished, honest and honorable human
beings," Valcarcel added.
Pacquiao can redeem himself by activating
the rematch clause in the contract and facing Horn for a second time but the
38-year-old is yet to make a decision regarding his retirement.

Comments
Post a Comment