Pacquiao vs. Bradley Results: Speculation on Poor Judge Credentials Holds Merit

Prior to Manny Pacquiao attempting to defend his welterweight title against Tim Bradley, there was speculation on the poor credentials of the judges. After an unexpected split-decision gave Bradley the belt, the only clear decision was questioning the integrity of the Nevada Athletic Commission (NSAC). 

Despite being one of the most dominant fighters over his career, Pacquiao  entered this fight with some analysts questioning his drive and conditioning. When he was missing from his dressing room prior to the fight there were further concerns regarding his focus and if he was more worried about the NBA playoffs than his own showcase.

Pacquiao entered the ring and appeared to remove all doubt that he was back and the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world.

Well, all doubt was removed from everyone except two of the three judges.

Duane Ford, Jerry Roth and C.J. Ross and the NSAC are the ones that will now be scrutinized. They scored the fight 115-113, 113-115, 115-113 in favor of Bradley.

Prior to the HBO pay-per-view event, announcer Jim Lampley was questioning the credentials of the judges.

Ross has been a judge for two decades and worked two Pacquiao fights in the past (vs. Ricky Hatton in 2009 and vs. David Diaz in 2008). But Lampley felt the expected quality of this fight went beyond the experience level.

Lampley also questioned the decision to rely solely on Nevada officials, particularly after the controversy surrounding Pacquiao's fight at the MGM Grand Las Vegas against Juan Manuel Marquez last November.

While the fans and Marquez certainly felt he had won the fight, Pacquiao was awarded the victory.

This time the controversy worked against Pacquiao.

Ringside punching statistics showed a 253-159 edge for Pacquiao. The Associated Press had Pacquiao winning 117-113. 

According to promoter Bob Arum, even Bradley had Pacquiao winning. In a comment on ESPN.com, Arum stated "Can you believe that? Unbelievable," Arum said. "I went over to Bradley before the decision and he said, `I tried hard but I couldn't beat the guy."

There will undoubtedly be a rematch, with both fighters projecting a November meeting.

The bigger question is what will the NSAC do to ensure they are ready to offer a quality product on the judging end.