WASHINGTON (AP) — Two senators are pushing legislation to establish oversight of professional boxing after Timothy Bradley’s controversial split decision over Manny Pacquiao in a welterweight title bout.
Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona and Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid of Nevada introduced legislation Monday that would create the U.S. Boxing Commission. McCain said it would bring integrity to the sport and avoid the conflicts of interest that have fans challenging the outcome of fights.
Earlier this month in Las Vegas, Pacquiao seemed to have the win in hand, but two judges decided otherwise, giving Bradley the split decision. It ended Pacquiao’s seven-year unbeaten run.
McCain said that fight only fueled what he called “the legitimate distrust boxing fans have for the integrity of the sport.”
The commission would oversee all boxing matches.
