Even Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao’s colleagues at the House of Representatives were outraged after the Filipino boxing champion lost to American challenger Timothy Bradley on Sunday.
You Against Corruption and Poverty (YACAP) party-list Rep. Carol Jayne Lopez, one of Pacquiao’s close friends in Congress, said she could not help but cry after hearing about the Filipino boxing champ’s defeat.
“Rip-off. They made Bradley win so there’s still a next fight. I am still in shock, still crying actually. Even the Americans who watched live here in Las Vegas are still in disbelief,” she said in a text message.
Pacquiao lost his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Welterweight title to his undefeated opponent on Sunday via split decision.
Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone described Pacquiao’s defeat as a “robbery,” saying the Bradley win might have been premeditated.
“It is the biggest highway robbery not only against Manny Pacquiao, but also against the Filipino people. Clearly, Manny connected some solid punches against Bradley,” he said in a separate text message.
Citizens Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) party-list Rep. Sherwin Tugna, who also tuned in to the Pacquiao-Bradley fight, said he was shocked after hearing the judges’ decision.
“I believe that the split decision is a loaded one and for pure business reasons,” Tugna said.
Bagong Henerasyon (BH) party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy, for her part, said Pacquiao still deserves the Filipinos’ admiration despite his defeat to Bradley.
“I super admire how Manny handled the decision of the judges even if he didn’t agree with it as well. That’s the true sign of sportsmanship,” she said.