Bob Arum calls for attorney general to launch probe into Pacquiao fight

Fight promoter says 'full inquiry' is only way to restore confidence in boxing as rematch talks are left in limbo.

Timothy Bradley and Manny Pacquiao talk after their WBO welterweight title fight.

LAS VEGAS // Boxing promoter Bob Arum says he wants the Nevada attorney general's office to launch "a full and complete inquiry" into the controversial Timothy Bradley-Manny Pacquiao title fight.

Arum, who promotes both fighters, was among the many who voiced shock that Bradley was awarded the victory Saturday on two of three judges' scorecards, giving him a split decision triumph that ended Pacquiao's 15-fight victory streak.

"The public has a right to know," Arum said. "The fighters have a right to know.

"The only way to restore fans' confidence in boxing is by letting an independent body investigate every detail of the fight no matter how big or small."

Bradley, who broke a bone in his foot during the bout, seized Pacquiao's World Boxing Organization welterweight title.

But Filipino ring icon Pacquiao appeared to deliver the more damaging blows throughout the bout and most at ringside — and beyond — had him winning comfortably.

A rematch was immediately proposed for November.

However, Arum claimed he had heard from ticket brokers who said they would have trouble selling seats because fans were so flummoxed by the decision.

"The brokers are telling us if we make a Bradley rematch, no one will go," Arum told the Los Angeles Times.

Todd duBoef, president of Arum's Top Rank company, said he would like to see the results of polls asking fans if they want a rematch before committing to a second fight.

Judge Jerry Roth scored the bout 115-113 for Pacquiao, while C.J. Ross and Duane Ford both saw it 115-113 for Bradley.

Nevada State Athletic Commission executive director Keith Kizer said he did not anticipate any discipline or review of Ross or Ford.

"Every fighter who loses a close fight looks at the judges," Kizer said. "I think every judge should strive to get better."

An option for Pacquiao would include another attempt to make a fight with Floyd Mayweather, whose lawyers this week said the undefeated boxer may never fight again if he is not released from jail, where he is serving a sentence for domestic violence. An emergency motion was filed asking that he serve the remainder of his three-month jail sentence in house arrest.

His lawyer said Mayweather’s health is deteriorating by being confined to his cell 23 hours a day and restricted from working out.

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