PARIS (AFP) - Former boxing referee Carlos Padilla has admitted cheating to help fellow Filipino Manny Pacquiao defeat Australian Nedal “Skinny” Hussein in a fight more than two decades ago.
Pacquiao was 21 and a rising star when he went 10 rounds against Hussein for the WBC International super-bantamweight title near the Philippine capital Manila in 2000.
But in a stunning confession, Padilla -- known for refereeing the “Thrilla in Manila” between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in 1975 -- said he helped Pacquiao secure victory by “prolonging” the standard 10-count when the Filipino was knocked down and left dazed in the fourth round.
Pacquiao later headbutted Hussein, leaving the Australian with a cut above his left eye.
But Padilla classified the head clash as a “punch”. Pacquiao won by a technical knockout after the doctor stopped the fight due to Hussein’s bleeding.
Hussein, who was coached by Australian former world champion Jeff Fenech, said on Instagram that Padilla’s admission was a “travesty and a true injustice”.
“They should be held accountable for the sport we love,” Hussein said in a post addressed to World Boxing Council president Mauricio Sulaiman.
Pacquiao did not immediately respond to AFP’s requests for comment.
The 43-year-old multiple world champion retired last year from the sport to make a failed crack at the presidency of his country.