Chavit: There's mafia in Las Vegas

Former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson did not mince words as he accused the mafia in Las Vegas for the majority draw between Manny Pacquiao and World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Mario Barrios over the weekend at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

A close friend of Pacquiao, Singson revealed that there were outside forces who manipulating the result, ending in a draw between the 46-year-old legend and the 30-year-old reigning champion in which two judges saw it 114-114 while one judge favored Barrios, 115-113.

“There is a mafia in Las Vegas. It was clear as day that Manny won, but it was made to look as if he lost,” said Singson, who flew to Las Vegas to personally support Pacquiao in his comeback fight after a four-year hiatus.

“You have to win with a knockout so the results won’t be manipulated.”

The 84-year-old Singson cited a similar case involving his fighter, Charly Suarez, who initially lost to World Boxing Organization junior welterweight champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete of Mexico on 10 May at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California.

Suarez initially lost to Navarrete via a technical unanimous decision, which was eventually overturned.

“Had we not protested about the decision declaring Suarez lost, the decision would not have been reversed in favor of Suarez,” Singson said.

After battling the taller, stronger and way younger Barrios from start to finish, Pacquiao admitted he thought he won the fight.

“I thought I won the fight,” Pacquiao said.

“My analysis is that I won eight rounds to four. I did my best in the ring, and the fans were happy with my performance.”

Barrios even said he is open to a potential rematch against the eight-division world champion in the future for his WBC title.

“I’ll do the rematch. Absolutely. This was huge for boxing. I’d love to do it again,” Barrios said.

“But I still tip my hat to Manny. It was an honor to share the ring with him, somebody with so much experience who has accomplished so much in this sport. We left everything in the ring, nothing but love and respect.”