Horn welcomes news of Pacquiao's sluggishness in sparring
MANILA, Philippines – Jeff Horn loves the fact that Manny Pacquiao is having dull sparring sessions.
In a report by Grantlee Kieza of The Courier-Mail, the 29-year-old Horn claimed to be in “the best shape of his life” as he intensifies his preparation for his July 2 clash with Pacquiao.
Pacquiao, in contrast, has a lot of catching up to do, with trainer Freddie Roach declaring the other day that the Filipino icon is “way behind” the training schedule.
It reflected Tuesday at the Elorde Gym inside the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City, when Pacquiao looked sluggish in a five-round sparring session with local fighters Leonardo Doronio and Sonney Katiandagho.
But for Horn, that’s good news.
“I’m hearing all the reports that Pacquiao looks terrible sparring and that’s great,” said Horn, who will try to take Pacquiao’s WBO welterweight title at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.
That, coupled with Pacquiao’s overconfidence, will lead to his downfall, according to Horn.
“All along I think he has been underestimating me. His mates would have been telling him for weeks that I’m not in the class of the guys he’s beaten and I hope they keep telling him that,” he added.
Nevertheless, Pacquiao is a heavy favorite to defeat Horn, who is relatively unknown outside Australia and whose resume lacks wins over big-name opponents.
But the Brisbane native vowed to shock the world.
“He [Pacquiao] probably thinks he’s coming to Brisbane to make an easy $10 million but he’s in for a shock,” Horn said.
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