Undefeated Brisbane boxer Jeff “The Hornet” Horn faces the biggest test of his professional career when he takes on three-time former world champion Randall “The Knock-Out King” Bailey from the United States. Join The Roar from 8pm (AEST) for live fight coverage and debate in our live blog.
The fight was originally scheduled for March 2, but had to be postponed for seven weeks after Horn fractured his larynx in sparring and required surgery.
It is scheduled for 10 rounds, but both fighters are big punchers and most don’t expect it to go that long. Former NRL star Solomon Haumono (23-2-2) will feature in a heavyweight bout on the undercard.
Horn is a 2012 London Olympian who narrowly missed bringing home a medal for Australia before turning professional. He is also a qualified schoolteacher and his bout with Bailey is being billed as “corporal punishment”.
Horn has won 8 of his 14 fights by knockout. He is ranked No.5 in the world by the International Boxing Federation (5). At 28, age is on his side.
Bailey is 41 and vastly more experienced, having had a 20-year professional career that has included winning three world titles. Incredibly, he won the first 21 fights of his career by knockout. Overall, 39 of his 46 career victories have been knockouts. Based on his career statistics, his fights last less than 5 rounds on average.
Bailey’s last loss was back in 2012 when he lost his world title on points to fellow countryman Devon Alexander (26-4).
Do you think Jeff Horn will pass this big test?
Join The Roar from 8pm (AEST) for live fight coverage and debate in our live blog.
In the lead up to the fight The Roar has interviewed both competitors. Read Horn and Bailey‘s interviews.
KnightsFan
Roar Pro
Fantastic performance, looks like he could be the real deal. The body punching was very impressive and I would love to see him fight Jessie Vargas.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Hope you enjoyed the fight coverage, feel free to leave your comments.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Great result for Australian boxing.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
In the post fight interview, Horn has nominated WBO world welterweight champion Jessie Vargas (27-1) from the US as the opponent he'd like to face next.
Paul
Guest
Father time catches up with them all. Hang them up Bailey and hand over to the new kid on the block - our Jeff Horn. Great result. Bring on the next one!!
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Horn is currently ranked number 5 in the IBF. Those currently ranked above him are Lamont Peterson from the US (34-3-1), Russia’s Konstantin Ponomarev (30-0), and Errol Spence Jr from the US (20-0). England’s Kell Brook (36-0) is the reigning champion. Whatever Horn’s management decides to do next, he is a boxer on the rise. It’s an exciting time for him and it’s great for Australian boxing.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Certainly was, Bailey was a dangerous opponent so early in his career.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Horn won every round except Round 3 when he was knocked down by a hard right from Bailey. Horn was on wobbly legs but showed his toughness and regained his composure. Horn’s record now improves to 14-0-1, while Bailey drops to 46-9. At 41, this may be the end of a great career for Bailey.
Neil
Guest
Very, very, very impressive outing by The Hornet tonight.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
It's over, Bailey can't come out for the 8th round!! TKO Jeff Horn!
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 7 Horn starting to manhandle Bailey. Unless he’s foxing, Bailey looks very tired. Jeff is outworking him, Bailey is just trying to throw a big shot. 10-9 Horn
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 6 Great round for Horn, Bailey looked hurt at stages. I have Horn up by 4 points with 4 rounds to go. But Bailey isn’t here to win on points, he is looking for the one punch KO. 10-9 Horn
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 5 Another Horn round, boxing well and landing some nice body shots. Both fighters seem to finding the ring surface a bit slippery. 10-9 Horn
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 4 Good round for Horn, landed some clean shots and looked sharp considering the Round 3 knockdown. A mouse starting to appear under Bailey's left eye. 10-9 Horn
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 3 Clear round for Bailey with a big right hand knocking Horn down. Horn eventually regained his composure but this is why Bailey is dangerous. He can catch you with a power shot at any time. 10-8 Bailey
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Horn has regained his feet but a long way to go in the round!
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Horn down !!
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 2 Clear round for Horn with the knockdown followed by some nice body shots. Horn is finding his range. 10-8 Horn
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Bailey regains his feet, Horn has plenty of time left in this round!
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Bailey down!!