By Miguel Rivera
World Boxing Council President, Mauricio Sulaiman, felt Manny Pacquiao was a faded fighter last weekend, when he dropped a shocking twelve round unanimous decision to huge underdog Jeff Horn at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.
Horn, a 2012 Australian Olympian who had never faced anyone near Pacquiao's level, was able to secure scores of 115-113, 115-113, 117-111 from the judges.
Pacquiao lost his WBO welterweight title in his first defense since capturing the title for a third time last November with a decision win over Jessie Vargas.
While many observers felt the outcome was controversial and Pacquiao was robbed of a win, they also felt the Filipino superstar finally looked his age. At 38-years-old, the end might be finally near. "Just as Pacquiao can beat anyone, he can already lose with anybody. He's a legendary boxer who could do a lot outside of the ring in many areas, but he has to make the decision [about retiring]. I do not criticize his performance, but the body charges a bill," said Sulaiman to ESPN Deportes. "From what little that I saw of the fight, I saw [Pacquiao] without that strength, without the speed that was always one of his great characteristics, that way of placing punches in angles that no one expected.. it is definitely a shame. Whether it's a boxer, a footballer or an artist - when the lights go out and you see someone else getting that applause, it is very difficult to retire." "Manny has been a top fighter for two decades, he was involved in a lot of great fights and has fans all over the world, so that is why it complicates things when ** a decision to retire." Pacquiao briefly retired last April after dominating Timothy Bradley over twelve rounds. He was going to focus on political career in the Philippines, but then announced his return to the sport. He came back in November to beat Jessie Vargas for the WBO belt.
2023-10-18 21:26:54
