Pacquiao's mother, Philippine army asks for Bradley rematch after contentious verdict

Manila, June 12(ANI): Manny Pacquiao's mother Dionisia and the Philippine Army have demanded a rematch against new WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley, who won the title through a controversial split decision in Las Vegas on Sunday.

Dionisia has for years openly urged her son to walk away from the ring but, following the Pacquaio's controversial loss to American Bradley, she has called for swift revenge.

"I wanted him to retire before, but now I want to see this rematch happen. I want to let all of Manny's fans to know there will be a rematch, and he will get back his belt," The Fox Sports quoted Dionisia, as saying.

Pacquiao is a social phenomenon in Philippines, where his status as one of the greatest boxers has propelled him to huge treasures, a movie career and election to the parliament.

Pacquiao has won world titles in an unprecedented eight weight divisions, but suffered his first defeat since 2005 and slipped to 54-4-2 when Bradley took his World Boxing Organisation welterweight belt in a split decision.

Philippines' Army Scout Ranger spokesman Major Harold Cabunoc said the military brass also wanted Pacquiao, a reservist colonel, to face Bradley again.Let's settle this once and for all. There should be a rematch, and Pacquiao will then be more vicious and knock Bradley out," Cabunoc said.oth boxers have already indicated their interest in a rematch, setting the stage for a lucrative bout, potentially in November. (ANI)