BOXING CHAMP PACQUIAO FALLS; CARDINAL PELL FACES SEX RAPS

Issue of Filipino sports hero’s retirement raised anew; Pope Francis must face up to what ails the church

1AFTER

‘UNDERWHELMING’ PERFORMANCE, PACQUIAO MUST CHOOSE BETWEEN SPORTS AND LEGISLATION; LOSS TO UNDERRATED HORN IS A ‘SIGN’

It wasn’t an “all-time robbery” as ESPN announcers alleged, maybe “slightly controversial.” But Pacquiao’s unanimous-decision defeat in Brisbane, Australia brings up front once again the question of his retirement from the ring. His trainer Freddie Roach was candid, saying the defeat may be a “sign” Pacquiao can no longer juggle his job as a boxer and as a senator.

Manny, Roach said, failed to “close out after his superb ninth round.” He did only one-punch combinations.

While he accepted the decision, Pacquiao complained he caught a cold when he arrived in Australia.

2CARDINAL GEORGE PELL, AUSTRALIA’S MOST SENIOR CATHOLIC LEADER AND VATICAN’S NO. 3 TOP OFFICIAL, IN MULTIPLE SEXUAL CHARGES: HOW WILL POPE DEAL WITH HIM?

Handling of case by civil authorities and, more importantly to Catholic Philippines, by Pope Francis -- who has said the Catholic Church ought to have zero tolerance for sexual crimes -- involving his high-ranked top associate and close adviser will be watched by Filipinos and the rest of the Catholic world. And this: what must the pope do to finally keep the long-festering ailment in check?

Pell has “strenuously denied” all allegations, saying he’d return to Australia to clear his name. He is ordered to face investigators on July 26.

Aside from the police investigation, separate inquiries were also made by the Parliament and a Royal Commission.