Pacquiao still non-committal on KO win
Manny Pacquiao with Buboy Fernandez during Friday’s workout in General Santos City. | Abac Cordero
BRISBANE, Australia – While Manny Pacquiao’s knockout slump has stretched to almost eight years now, the Filipino icon still does not feel a sense of urgency to end it next Sunday against Jeff Horn.
In a short talk with the media here Sunday after attending church service, Pacquiao was once again asked if he feels his fight with Horn will end in a knockout.
He didn’t guarantee anything.
“[A] knockout is a bonus of hard work,” said Pacquiao, who will defend his WBO welterweight strap against Horn at the massive Suncorp Stadium here a week from now.
Most from Pacquiao’s camp, especially longtime trainer Freddie Roach, want Pacquiao to put an end to his knockout-less streak, which dates back to 2009. That year, Pacquiao stopped Miguel Cotto in the 12th round of their November fight.
All of Pacquiao’s fights since then resulted in either decision wins or losses.
Roach, for his part, had previously acknowledged that Pacquiao’s failure to finish off foes has taken a toll on his popularity among fans.
But Pacquiao does not seem to be affected by it, indicating that going for a knockout is not a priority.
“I just love to fight aggressive fighters,” Pacquiao said, believing that if a knockout comes, it comes.
He is just looking forward for Horn to show up and stand his ground on Sunday.
“I want him to come and fight,” Pacquiao added.
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