Pacquiao wants review of ‘unfair decision and officiating’ after Horn defeat

Manny Pacquiao has urged the World Boxing Organisation to review the “unfair decision and officiating” after losing his welterweight title to Australia’s Jeff Horn.

The Filipino endorsed a formal call by the Philippines’ Games and Amusement Board for the WBO to review the outcome of Sunday’s fight in Bris- bane. “I love boxing and I don’t wanna see it dying because of unfair decision and officiating,” Pacquiao, 38, said in a statement issued by his office.

“I had already accepted the decision but as a leader and, at the same time, fighter I have the moral obligation to uphold sportsmanship, truth and fairness in the eyes of the public,” said Pacquiao, also a sitting senator.

Pacquiao, 38, had initially called for a rematch, but later said he would also “think hard” about retiring.

Widely written off by observers, Horn, 29, shocked Pacquiao with his ultra-aggressiveness to earn a unanimous 12-round decision.

A day after the bout, the Philippines’ sports regulatory body wrote the WBO calling for a “thorough review” on the decisions of American referee Mark Nelson and the judges.

“We are making this request for a review, which may call for sanctions on the referee and judges if so warranted, in furtherance of our mutual goal of protecting the integrity of the sport,” the board wrote.

The WBO on Tuesday responded to the controversy in its Twitter account.

“The discretion of a referee or judge cannot be reversed, except in a case of fraud or violation of laws which is not the case in Pac vs Horn,” the WBO said. “The contract for Pac vs Horn provides a rematch clause, which the WBO is in accordance (with) if the promoters decide to move forward.”

While saying he respected the fight outcome, Pacquiao had questioned the referee’s decisions. “It’s as if the referee wanted to help my opponent,” he said.