Professional boxer turned senator of the Philippines, Emmanuel “Manny Pacquiao, has dismissed allegations he cheated in his 2000 fight against Australia’s boxing champ Nedal Hussein held in October 14, 2000 at Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The country’s pride was awarded a 10th round technical knockout win against Hussein which paved the way to join in international fights against top caliber opponents in his weight class.
“Hindi man daya. Pinaburan lang tayo, pabor lang siguro syempre home court. As a boxer ginawa ko lang naman yung tama,” Pacquiao said during training in General Santos City.
“Ako naman boxer lang ako. Ginagawa ko lang yung trabaho ko sa taas ng ring. That’s his problem, not mine,” Pacquiao said apparently pointing on international boxing referee Carlos Padilla.
Padilla, who was the official referee during the Pacquiao-Hussein fight many years ago, allegedly said he helped the Pacman win against a stronger opponent which knocked out the Filipino champ in the fourth round during their 12-round boxing fight.
The referee reportedly admitted to prolonging the counting when Pacquiao was knocked out in the fourth round and got dazed.
But Padilla’s daughter immediately corrected her father’s allegations, saying he was only misinterpreted by some members of the media who made those weird revelations.
Meanwhile, Nedal Hussein said he would bring this matter to the higher authorities in boxing to see if they will be able to officially change.
He said he cannot blame Pacquiao, because he only did what is right, like defending himself professionally in boxing.
