MANILA, Philippines – As promised, newly crowned WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley will give Manny Pacquiao a rematch in November.

Bradley, who defeated Pacquiao by a controversial split decision, said he is giving the Filipino champion a chance to reclaim his crown.

"I got to give him a rematch now," said the still unbeaten boxer on ESPN.

Despite landing the cleaner punches, Pacquiao lost the fight after two of the judges scored in favor of Bradley.

Judges Duane Ford and CJ Ross saw it 115-113 for Bradley, while Jerry Roth saw it 115-113 for Pacquiao.

Bradley himself admitted he was hurt several times by Pacquiao’s left hand.

“Pacquiao is a tough, tough warrior. This guy can punch, he has speed. He has everything, all the tools,” he said.

Compubox stats

Contrary to the judges’ decision, punch statistics showed Pacquiao landing more punches than Bradley.

The Filipino champion connected 253 punches compared with Bradley's 159.

The Compubox statistics also indicated Pacquiao landed more punches in 10 of the 12 rounds.

Boxing promoter Bob Arum, who handles both Pacquiao and Bradley, said he was ashamed with the fight’s outcome.

"I've never been as ashamed of the sport of boxing as I am tonight," said Arum, who handles both fighters.

The promoter said he is already setting a November 10 face-off for Pacquiao and Bradley.

"I'll make a lot of money off the rematch, but this was outrageous," Arum said.

Pacquiao, for his part, could not believe at the fight’s outcome.

"I did my best," said the Pinoy icon. "I guess my best wasn't good enough."

Link from abs-cbnnews