Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao: Scorecard Was Uncontroversial

Controversial scorecards have been a part of boxing forever and always will be. In any fight that does not end with a stoppage, the winner will be decided based on opinion. And opinions, at least some of the time, are destined to vary.

But while controversial scorecards are ultimately inevitable, they are always a tragedy. In a brutal sport like boxing where the competitors risk so much, they deserve to be properly rewarded for their efforts.

Watching a favorite team lose on a bad referee's call is always tough for any fan. But seeing a ring warrior who deserves to win have his victory taken away from him by incompetent or corrupt judging leaves an even worse taste in one's mouth.

For a fight as huge as Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao, a controversial judging card would have been a particular disaster. It has been decades since a fight has drawn this kind of attention, and to have it end under fishy circumstances would have been a catastrophic hit to boxing, just as it is gaining huge traction.

Fortunately, the three judges got this fight entirely correct. Dave Moretti scored the fight 118-110 for Mayweather, and judges Glenn Feldman and Burt Clements both had it 116-112.

Moretti, Clement and Feldman are all experienced judges who have worked numerous high-profile, world-title fights. For an event this big, it was necessary to have three professionals of their stature.

Pacquiao claimed he thought he won the fight during his post-fight interview with HBO's Max Kellerman and repeated that absurdity during the post-fight press conference, which was broadcast live on ESPN.

That will no doubt stir up his passionate fans to cry that their hero was robbed. But nobody who watched the fight with unbiased eyes will agree.

Casual fans who shelled out $100 hoping to see a Rocky-style slugfest might not be happy with Mayweather's tactical control of distance and range and his desire to avoid taking punishment. But it was simple, observational fact that Mayweather threw more punches than Pacquiao and landed many more. 

Pacquiao had some moments during the fight. He landed a big left hand in the fourth round. At certain points in the fight, he was able to trap Mayweather along the ropes or in a corner and let off a quick barrage. 

But none of Pacquiao's flurries were sustained and all of them were quickly followed by Mayweather reasserting control. For the majority of the fight, Pacquiao was unable to get into position to attack in a significant manner. 

Pacquiao consistently attempted to close range by moving forward in a straight line, catching straight rights or check hooks. As the fight went on, Pacquiao's aggression became less determined and far less effective. 

John Locher/Associated Press

It's notable that in his quick remarks during the same press conference, Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, did not claim that he thought his fighter won, saying only that he was "proud of Manny."

Pacquiao certainly had some moments during the fight. He absolutely deserved to win two rounds. Giving him four rounds is generous but hardly outrageous. 

But there is no question at all that Mayweather deserved to win this fight.