Bradley beats Pacquiao amid controversy

In front of a sold-out MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday night, heavy underdog Timothy Bradley beat WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao in a controversial split decision.

Two judges scored the fight 115-113 in Bradley's favor, the third had it 115-113 Pacquiao, but the result was an arena full of dissatisfied, booing fans who wanted to see the fan-favorite Pacquiao successfully defend his belt.

But it wasn't just the fans who were sour about the decision. The overwhelming majority of the national boxing media felt the decision was far from fair.

ESPN's Stats & Information department claimed Pacquiao outlanded Bradley in punches 190 to 109. WBO statisticians had Pacquiao outpunching Bradley 253 to 159, including landing more punches in all but two of the 12 rounds.

As a result, the Associated Press scored the fight 117-111 Pacquiao. HBO boxing commentator and ex-judge Harold Lederman had it 119-109. And promoter Bob Arum, who works with both fighters, said he has "never been as ashamed of the sport of boxing as I am tonight."

According to Arum, even Bradley thought he had lost it.

"I went over to Bradley before the decision and he said, 'I tried hard but I couldn't beat the guy,'" Arum said.

"You talk about killing boxing? All three scorecards you throw out," Arum said.

But all hope is not lost for boxing fanatics: the rematch is tentatively set for November 10.