How’s Pacquiao’s gas tank?

LAS VEGAS—Is Manny Pacquiao’s gas tank half-full? Or is it half-empty?

The answer will depend on the perception of those who saw how his shock split decision defeat to Timothy Bradley went Saturday night at the MGM Grand Arena here.

Much of the boxing world was still reeling on Sunday as the smoke began to clear after Pacquiao’s defeat the previous night.

Pacquiao fans will swear that he hasn’t lost a step despite the rigors of 60 fights in 16 years. He showed that at 33, he could still circle Bradley, sneak in jabs and uppercuts and avoid wild punches, according to boxing pundits.

For failing to send Bradley to the canvas, however, Pacquiao gave the three judges— whom Top Rank promoter Bob Arum called the “three blind mice”—the opportunity to end his seven-year dynasty in the ring.

There’s still gas in the tank, many ring analysts insist, but Pacquiao now needs shortcuts to win bouts. Like knockouts. With Reuters