STUNNING PACQUIAO LOSS, REALLY?

Holy “Oceans 11” everybody! There’s been a big robbery in Las Vegas!  This situation harkens us back to the most famous quote concerning false incredulity of all time. It is the following line from another film “Casablanca”-

Captain Renault: “I’m shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on here!”

Yes. What a sad state of affairs for Manny Pacquiao, this so called “shocking” loss to Timothy Bradley.

Now, I know a little bit about boxing.  Correction. I know a lot about boxing (check resume, google search, Facebook, LinkedIn, IMDB, or even perhaps the DMV, if that helps).

For 15 years I have worked on boxing telecasts, both as play by play and analyst, with Al Bernstein, Rich Marotta,  Hall of Fame broadcaster Colonel Bob Sheridan, and with former world champions Raul Marquez, Sean O’Grady, Mike Tyson, Roy Jones, Jr. Oscar De La Hoya, and the late great Genaro Hernandez. I’ve also partnered with world famous trainers Joe Goossen, and legends such as Gil Clancy and Angelo Dundee. And, I’ve forgotten a few others.

But here’s the point, I haven’t asked, but I know, none of the above names are shocked, or would be shocked were they still with us, by the Tim Bradley split decision victory over Manny Pacquiao.  None.

Oh, we may be a pit peeved, a tab uncomfortable, or a trifle perplexed.  But shocked? No.

Now, you may ask, Alan Massengale, what is your opinion of who won the fight?  Would you believe I didn’t watch the fight? Would you believe I was doing an MMA event over the weekend?  What does that tell you?

No, I didn’t actually have to see the fight not to be shocked. (I will watch it eventually.)

But, here’s a final thought for now.  I applaud and admire Pacquiao for his newfound enthusiasm for religion.  The Lord will see him through.

But, I wonder, did he pick a bad time to give up drinkin’ and whorin’?  That lifestyle seemed to be working for him just fine “inside” the ring.

Now, that’s a statement that might shock some folks. But, lighten up.  I’m just kidding.