Pearson: I feel like I’ve been robbed at the airport
Ross Pearson: “So I knew, what I thought was robbed, because I knew in my heart I won that fight unanimously. So when they said 30-27 Pearson I just knew straightaway.”
When the bell had rung signaling the end of the third round, British lightweight Ross Pearson was confident he had done enough to earn the decision.
Much to his shock, and 99% of fans and media watching at home, the split decision was awarded to Diego Sanchez, and Pearson felt robbed:
“When Bruce Buffer announced ‘30-27 Pearson,’ I knew straightaway, I knew then that it was obviously going to be a split decision,'” Pearson said. “So I knew, what I thought was robbed, because I knew in my heart I won that fight unanimously. So when they said 30-27 Pearson I just knew straightaway. “
When the final verdict was announced fans weren’t the only ones who had the word “robbery” cross their minds.
“I feel like I’ve been robbed at the airport and someone stole one of my paychecks,” Pearson said. “But, you know, I watched the fight back today, and if that wasn’t textbook how to beat Diego Sanchez, I don’t know how else to put it. I’m not taking anything away from Diego, the guy is a warrior, he comes to fight every time. We knew that going into the fight, it was even more important to outclass him, shine on that night in his hometown and beat him convincingly.”