Pacquiao wants rematch with Bradley

Manny Pacquiao. AFP/JOE KLAMAR

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao said he wants a rematch with Timothy Bradley after the sanctioning body reviewed their controversial bout of June 9 and said the Filipino fighter should have been given the decision.

Pacquiao on Thursday said  he would prefer a rematch to Bradley giving up the WBO welterweight title which the American won on a split decision because “people may think I just usurped it.”

A panel of five judges were assembled by the WBO championship committee to review the June 9 bout and said it should have been awarded to Pacquiao. He said: “My supporters shouldn’t worry. We’re going to get that title.”

The WBO cannot overturn the result of the fight or force Bradley to surrender the belt, but can authorize a rematch.