World Boxing Organization (WBO) has rejected calls from Manny Pacquiao and the Games and Amusement Board (GAB), the regulatory body of professional sport in the Philippines to review the controversial points decision that saw Australia’s Jeff Horn defeat the Filipino in the welterweight world title in Brisbane on Sunday.
GAB had requested for a thorough review of the fight, a decision that Pacquiao said he supports.
According to him the Pilipino boxer, “WBO should take appropriate action on the letter sent by the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) so as not to erode the people’s interest in boxing,” eight-division world champion Pacquiao said in a statement on Wednesday.
On my part, 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.”
“I love boxing and I don’t want to see it dying because of (an) unfair decision and officiating." he added
Responding to the call, the WBO on Tuesday stated that verdict cannot be reviewed or upturned stressing that doing so would contravene rematch clauses in both fighters' contracts. The organization stated this on its Twitter handle @WorldBoxingOrg
"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 contract for Pac vs. Horn provides a rematch clause, which the WBO is in accordance if the promoters decide to move forward.”
