Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao will fight in Australia for the first time, with a bout between the Pacman and Brisbane’s Jeff Horn to be held on April 23 for the WBO welterweight title.
The fight is expected to be one of three on Pacquaio’s farewell tour, which is being planned by promoter Bob Arum. However, the venue for the fight is still yet to be confirmed.
While Horn’s reportedly preferred venue of Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane has been touted as the probable venue for the bout – a move which would almost certainly make the fight the biggest in Australian history -the Middle East and United States have both been touted as other possible locations.
Horn is ten years younger than the 38-year-old Pacquiao, and this fight will no doubt be the biggest of his career so far. The Australian is undefeated through 17 professional bouts, the only blemish thus far coming in the form of a draw against compatriot Rivan Cesaire back in 2013.
The former schoolteacher is confident of his chances against the far more decorate Pacquiao, saying he believes he has what it takes to get the best of the Filipino superstar.
“I think I’ve got the skills to win,” Horne said.
“I’m getting Pacquiao at the right moment.
“I know I have the power to hurt him. If I land a clean shot on Pacquiao when he’s coming forward I know I could hurt him. That’s what I’m hoping for, to catch him as he rushes in.”
Pacquiao has fought 50 more fights than his opponent, losing just six times in his 67-fight professional career. The most famous of those losses came in perhaps the biggest fight in recent memory, when the Pacman went down to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Las Vegas in May of 2015.
In his most recent appearance, the Filipino star emerged victorious over American Jessie Vargas in Nevada. Horn is also coming off a victory in his last bout, besting South African Ali Funeka last month in Auckland.
Mike from tari
Guest
The press conference did not confirm a venue or country.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Pacquiao’s extremists views. Thats a bit over the top. He probably shares the view of a lot of people in this country,
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Re the draw on Horn's record against Rivan Cesaire. It was due to an accidental head clash in Round 3 that left either Jeff or Rivan Cesaire with a bad enough cut that the ring doctor wouldn't let one of them continue, meaning the result is an automatic draw. Boxing matches have to go at least 4 rounds to go to the judge's scorecards in that situation. Horn subsequently TKO'd Cesaire in Round 9 of their rematch.
Boxing Fan
Guest
LOL this comment is laughable. You know nothing about pacquiao and what is has done in for the people of his country. He gives his opinion on one topic and all of a sudden he is a person of extremist views. You should be more worried about 'Australians' who as an example a white female/male blonde who viciously attacked 2 strangers with an axe recently.
KingCowboy
Guest
Please provide examples of his extremist view!
Boxing Fan
Guest
Not sure why Horn is saying things like im getting pacquiao at the right time...if I was a fighter I would want to fight the best in their prime! although pacquiao is still a very dangerous fighter, horn should not underestimate the Filipino legend. Its great for Horns resume.
AZ_RBB
Guest
How can we let someone with Pacquiao's extremists views into the country? I'll answer my own question. Because the government is going to make a lot of money from him.