Respect the verdict

By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

WE, the boxing aficionados, watched that colossal battle between our very own Manny Pacquiao against Mexico’s best Juan Manuel Marquez for the 130-pound World Boxing Council title fight.

We already know the result.

Although Pacquiao’s victory was not convincing, not clear, or questionable, Pacquiao is still the winner.

We have to respect the verdict of the three judges.

Because of that third round knockdown he scored, that made the big difference, as many said. Two of the three judges gave him a nod.

I watched the live coverage and scored it a draw, 114-114.

Because of text messages I received from some of my friends badgering me after the verdict was announced, I keenly watched the replay.

My second observation says Marquez was the victor, 115-114. No need to explain.

May kanya-kanya tayong mata at pag-iisip. So I could be right or could be wrong.

The three judges had the clearer view because they were at the ringside so we have to respect their decision. (Remember, the fight was held in Las Vegas).

During their first encounter, wherein the decision was a split draw, I believe Pacquiao was robbed of the victory.

With Pacquiao clearly scoring three knockdowns in the first round, one of the three judges named Burt Clements erred and tallied 10-7, instead of 10-6 like what the other two judges did.

Despite Clements’ admission days after the fight saying he blundered, the verdict could not be changed because that’s the rule, especially if you fight in Las Vegas.

And the best way to resolve the issue is to hold yet   another Pacquiao-Marquez combat as the Marquez camp and Golden Boy Promotions now demand.

But that chance is slim because when Pacquiao was asked about the plan just after the fight, he was quick to say “business is over.”

Latest report says Pacquiao will go to a higher division to encounter World Boxing Council lightweight (135-lb) king David Diaz, another Chicano.

So if Marquez wants to collide anew with Pacquiao, he has to follow Pacquiao at 135 pounds.

If the plan pushes through and Pacquiao eventually beats Diaz, well, we could christen Pacquiao as truly “the real Mexicans’ assassin”.

I believe that is possible, if the prize is right.

Ask Bob Arum who handles Pacquiao, he knows.

* * * * *

It’s sad to know that after many months of intensive training by our cyclists, the annual national bikathon, now called Padyak Pinoy, was suddenly cancelled this year.

Our 18 local cyclists led by 2003 champion Arnel Quirimit  and 2006 winner Santy Barnachea, who were assured of the berth in this year’s multi-stage bikefest originally set on May 1-8, were understandably frustrated, and complained about the huge expenses they have incurred preparing for it.

Bert Lina, president of the national cycling governing body PhilCycling, said the cancellation was due to the case filed by the national riders against the federation’s board of directors that reached the Ombudsman.

“The summer sports spectacle was cancelled, for the time being, until the case is solved,” said Lina.

This is bad for national cycling.

(Readers may reach columnist at biking.jess@yahoo.com. For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/sports-eye/
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