Veteran boxing judge Bruce McTavish believes Australian welterweight Jeff Horn has “no real talent” and would be no chance of beating Manny Pacquiao if their planned April bout goes ahead.
New Zealand-born McTavish, who has lived in the Philippines for the past 50 years, was ringside at Horn’s last fight, a sixth-round stoppage of South African Ali Funeka in Auckland on December 10.
“To tell you the truth, Horn is a very nice kid, former schoolteacher, clean cut, a good boxer, but he has no real talent,” McTavish told The Manila Times.
“He may have won by a knockout against the other guy and did it pretty well, but I think he’s too young and raw for Manny.
“Manny will knock (Horn) out three to four rounds and I guess it’s a mismatch. It’s a shame.”
McTavish’s scathing comments come at a critical time as Horn’s promoters continue talks with the Queensland state government over bringing the fight to Brisbane.
All parties want it to happen on April 23 at Suncorp Stadium, but it could be staged interstate or overseas if the required backing can’t be raised.
A decision on the location of the fight is expected by the end of the month.
Pacquiao, 38, is yet to sign off on the deal.
But his promoter Bob Arum is eager to take him on a world tour before his retirement and is an avowed fan of 28-year-old Horn, dubbed the ‘fighting schoolteacher’.
McTavish said Arum chose Horn over undefeated American Terence Crawford as Pacquiao’s next opponent for one reason: “Easy payday.”
“That fight, if it will formally push through, is definitely good for Australia because Manny is known all over the world wherever he goes.
“Horn has a good future but he’s not yet ready for somebody like Pacquiao – too premature. Pacquiao is a freak of nature.”
Russ Stewart
Guest
Although on paper the outcome is somewhat predictable, I think the suggesting that Horn is 'no real talent' is a bit harsh. He's in there, he's rated so at least he had the fight offered and he's having a go. Sure it's a bit early but I think the experience will put him in good stead. If he put's up a decent fight and loses his market value can still increase. A bad knockout loss early could prove too hard to comeback from though. Good luck to him.
lao.hu
Guest
I have known Bruce Mc Tavish for many years from our time together in the WBC . He is a very astute judge of ability if i.were a betting man i.would take his advice to heart.
BigJ
Roar Guru
I tend to agree with the Judge, Horn is way to wet behind the ears for Manny, but it will be a good learning expereince.But you can see the headlines the next day :Pacman Schools the Fighting School teahcer" hahah "Pacman teaches Horn a boxing lesson" "Pacman educates the School teacher" etc and those are copywrited by your old mate BigJ so you cant use any of those. haha