Eman Bacosa Pacquiao's camp files GAB complaint against opponent, ref

The camp of boxer Eman Bacosa Pacquiao has filed a complaint with the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) against his opponent in his recent fight as well as the referee who officiated the match.

This is due to what his camp alleges were repeated and intentional rabbit punches to the back of the head, an illegal strike.

Pacquiao fought Rodelyn Perez last June 21 for the PBF Youth lightweight title in a bout that Perez won by majority decision. The fight was officiated by referee Jerold Tomeldan.

READ MORE | Eman Bacosa Pacquiao loses title bid to Rodelyn Perez

“Normal sa nagkakainitan na fighters yung magkasakitan o sabihin na po natin na ma-rabbit punch, pero yung hindi po intentional. Yung ginawa kay Eman intentional kasi paulit-ulit po,” said Pacquiao’s manager and mother, Joanna Rose Bacosa Dino on Aubrey Carampel’s report on 24 Oras.

(It’s normal for fighters to get heated and hurt each other, and let’s say even to receive a rabbit punch, but not intentional. What was done to Eman was intentional because it happened over and over.)

“Hindi na po ito usapin ng talo kami o panalo kami ang pinaka-concern ko po dito ay yung health ni Eman.”

(This is not a matter of us winning or losing but our main concern here is the health of Eman.)

Pacquiao’s camp also said that despite the repeated rabbit punches, there was no warning or penalty from the referee.

Dino said that Pacquiao had complained about his body cramping from the feet up during the fight. She added that the boxer has undergone a CT scan and they are awaiting the results.

GMA News has tried to reach out to Perez and Tomeldan for comment but has yet to receive a response.

The GAB has confirmed that a case has been filed by the Pacquiao camp regarding “alleged misconduct and officiating lapses”.

“Following standard regulatory procedure, the GAB will require the individuals identified in the Complaint-Affidavit to submit their respective comments. This ensures that all relevant parties are afforded due process and given a fair opportunity to be heard. Upon receipt and evaluation of all relevant submissions, the Board will resolve the matter objectively and in accordance with existing rules,” the GAB said in a statement.

“To preserve the integrity of the proceeding, the GAB shall refrain from commenting on the merits of the case pending its final resolution.”

—JMB, GMA News