Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley: WBO 'Sure' Pac-Man Won the Fight

Earlier this week a five-judge expert panel, convened by the World Boxing Organization, declared what most of us already knew.

Manny Pacquiao clearly did enough to defeat Timothy Bradley on June 9th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The review was ordered by WBO President Francisco "Paco" Valcarcel in the wake of the intense media and public criticism of the scoring. The panel of judges, whose names were not released, scored the fight for Pacquiao by scores of 118-110, 117-111, 117-111, 116-112 and 115-113. 

Valcarcel went further in comments to Fox News on Thursday.

“I respect the scoring of the officials,” Valcarcel told Fox News via phone. "But the WBO is sure that Pacquiao won the fight. The only solution for this is to order a rematch. Top Rank has both fighters so we’ve got arrange to work with both parties and work on a rematch.” 

The WBO does not have the power to overturn the official result. They could strip Bradley of his WBO championship and either declare it vacant or return it to Pacquiao—something Pacquiao has stated he would not accept.

Both fighters have stated their desire for the rematch on November 10th of this year. But in recent days speculation has centered on Pacquiao instead facing long-term rival Juan Manuel Marquez in a fourth fight.

This is the fight that could make the most business sense for Pacquiao, as most boxing fans have expressed little desire to see him face Bradley again.

The overwhelming public perception that Pacquiao easily won the fight has certainly soiled the waters for any rematch.