After Pacquiao's Defeat To Bradley

After a winning streak of 7 years in boxing, Manny Pacquiao lost to Timothy Bradley by a split decision during their recently concluded fight on June 9, 2012 at the MGM Arena.  There's a lot of speculations and different views about the fight, where Manny  landed more cleaner blows than Bradley, while Bradley had a lot of thrown punches than Manny, and so on and so forth.

But there were judges and its their duty to come up with the decision.  What others may think doesn't really matter for them.  It was their sole judgement, whatever their reason maybe, for choosing Bradley to win the match.  Nonetheless, I want to share my views about the fight.

Sorry, it's just hard to find shots where Bradley's punching Manny.

Much bigger expectations  from Manny.  After his no knockdown fight with Marquez, the judges, as much as all the viewers, were expecting Manny to step up and do a more convincing winning performance above the ring.  Seeing more aggressiveness from Bradley, especially from the later rounds, might had gotten the attention and votes of the 2 judges.

Focus on the fight.  Even though its just a game, I can just imagine myself beating up a person or getting beaten up by someone, in front of my young children.  With all the blood coming out and other stuff, not to mention thinking about other controversies and big expectations.  I don't know about, Manny, but me, I can't focus with all of that.  Though its not an excuse.

Finding that lost spark.  Manny is still young to retire.  His game wasn't that bad, he was not knocked down and there was not even a portion in the fight that he was really overpowered by Bradley.  I think this loss by Manny will bring out that desire and hunger to win again, which someone won't feel especially when your on top.

The power of prayer.  We are so used to Manny winning every fight he had that we forgot to pray for him.  Remember how each and everyone offer a simple prayer for Manny's victory on his previous fights especially when he was still beginning to fight internationally?  I bet, there were more praying for Bradley during their fight.

Morale check.  Not so many people are talking about the fight.  For a long time, Manny Pacquiao always had been our nation's pride.  Because of him, many Filipinos around the world are proud of their being a Filipino or having a Filipino blood.  It's because of him, Filipinos found confidence to succeed in different fields around the world.  It's because of him that we are again recognized in the world map, giving due recognition to our cities not frequently heard by other countries.  I guess we are just sad about Manny's loss.  But life must go on, looking forward for the rematch this November.

Heads up, guys, Manny Pacquiao is the only 8 Division World Champion.  It will be a while before someone can even match that.  To Manny, you will still be our champion, win or lose.  Yahweh bless.