Yulo: Has boxing reached its demise?

I HAD been a boxing fan for more than 50 years. During my student days in Manila, I knew more about the history of boxing than the history of my country because of my subscription to Ring Magazine. But I had always believed it to be a brutal sport.

The recent bout of Pacman and Bradley could be the last toll of the bell for boxing. Thanks to the two Judges and some Las Vegas sports official who tolled that bell. Never had I seen a fixed fight as obvious as that one. Both boxers were not aware of it. One was a victim, the other a surprised beneficiary. Bradley's comment to Arum, the promoter, "Bob, I'm sorry I did my best but the guy is just too good." Then that infamous verdict that dismayed the world.

If they keep holding bouts in Las Vegas, boxing will degenerate to the level of wrestling, which has become purely exhibition matches. It is 100% fixed. But the wrestlers are good actors and they make sure the opponent does not suffer broken bones.

Pacquiao is the greatest boxer pound-for-pound in the entire boxing history from the bare knuckle days of John F. Sulivan to the present. Winning eight titles in eight different weight divisions is a feat no boxer can duplicate. Obviously the talent is God-given. If he decides to say goodbye to boxing, he would still be retiring in blazing glory. Las Vegas is too immoral for anyone to reform. Their god is money. Principles will not matter for as long as there is money.

Pacman must face that reality. God might have another mission for you, Manny. Attend to the needs of your people and you will reap eternal crown. Who knows you might be the Filipino David one of these days? He was merely a shepherd boy whom God plucked from the fields to become the greatest human king because he was after God's own heart. You have that quality.