Election annulled over boxer's shorts stunt

Updated on: 30 December,2011 08:40 AM IST |
Agencies |

Juan Manuel Marquez sported the symbol of a party on his trunks in a fight on the eve of the vote in Mexico, breaking campaign rules

Juan Manuel Marquez sported the symbol of a party on his trunks in a fight on the eve of the vote in Mexico, breaking campaign rules

Branded: Juan Manuel Marquez said he was given the shorts,
emblazoned with the PRI logo, by his team. Representation
Pic/ Getty Images

Juan Manuel Marquez sported the tricolour symbol of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) during his clash with Filipino Manny Pacquiao. The fight in Las Vegas on 12 November was watched by millions in Mexico.

A federal court decided it may have influenced voters in Morelia, the capital of Michoacan state. In its ruling, the court also cited a television appearance by PRI candidates after the official campaign period has closed.

The election for mayor of Morelia will now have to be held again within 150 days.

The PRI called the court decision "unjust, mistaken and disproportionate" but said it would abide by the ruling.

It added that the victory of its mayoral candidate, Wilfrido Lazaro, was legitimate and said it would win again.

However, Juan Manuel Marquez said he was given the shorts emblazoned with the PRI logo by his team, but didn't notice their significance.

He said he was focused on the fight and did not know there were elections happening in Michoacan. Members of the PRI have denied having any involvement in getting Marquez to wear their logo.

In the ring, Marquez lost to Pacquiao on a narrow points decision.

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