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GAB calls for review of Pacquiao-Horn fight

Despite experiencing the power of Manny Pacquiao, Jeff Horn shocked the world by taking the WBO welterweight belt from him. Reuters (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--The Games and Amusements Board sought clarification on the results of the WBO welterweight title showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Jeff Horn in the latter's hometown of Brisbane on Sunday.

In a letter sent to WBO president Francisco Valcarcel on Monday, GAB chairman Baham Mitra and GAB commissioners Eduard Trinidad and Matthew Gaston asked for a review of the said match that saw Horn stunning Pacquiao with a unanimous decision victory to win a world boxing title in his first try.


"We would like to echo the stand of many boxing followers on the possible errors of the referee and the judges who officiated the subject fight," the letter said.

Many boxing fans and notable people who watched the bout live in flesh or on TV cried foul over the revelation of the scorecards, where Chris Flores and Ramon Cerdan handed similar 115-113 results for Horn and Waleska Roldan gave a 117-111 win for Horn that further fumed the fans.

GAB, however, clarified that it is not looking to reverse the outcome.

"While we respect the decision, we are constrained to request for a thorough review by the WBO to review to identify possible miscalls of the referee where some deductions were not made and of the judges in judging that have caused varying options on their objectivity," the said body specified its aim.

GAB made the letter "in furtherance of our mutual goal of protecting the integrity of the sport and even more improving the boxing industry that we love."

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