WBO cannot strip Bradley of belt after review, but can order rematch

WBO president Francisco "Paco" Valcarcel told USA Today that the organization, which sanctioned last Saturday's bout, cannot overturn the split-decision that saw Bradley win, nor can they strip the fighter of the championship belt that originally was held by Manny Pacquiao. Valcarcel added, that the World Boxing Organization can only order a rematch between the two fighters, an empty gesture, as Pacquiao already has a rematch clause in his contract, one that Top Rank boss and promoter of both fighters, Bob Arum, has expressed doubts about exercising, due to perceived difficulty of marketing a second take of a fight many feel, Pacquiao already won decisively.  Valcarcel's comments came shortly after announcing that the WBO's championship committee would review the fight "to take measures in accordance with the rules of procedure," tapping five internantional judges to go over the footage. He also clarified that "in no way this says we are doubting the capacity of these judges [the trio that originally did the Pacquiao-Bradley bout], which we consider as honest and competent judges." Saturday's (Sunday, PHL time) fight in Las Vegas saw Bradley win via a 115-113, 115-113, 113-115 split decision, making him the new WBO welterweight champ. Personally though, Valcarcel believes Pacquiao won the fight. "I know from my experience that I saw Pacquiao winning 8-4 or 7-5, but that's my opinion. "I like a guy who forces the fight and [Pacquiao] was putting pressure on the other guy. The judges can consider other stuff, like the amount of punches thrown, or other things. But I always say that is why we have three [judges] instead of one," he said. After reviewing the fight, the committee will send a statement to the Nevada State Athletic Commission with their findings. Regardless of what the findings are, Team Pacquaio they are considering other options, such as a fourth encounter with Juan Manuel Marquez. - AMD/HS, GMA News