Horn's controversial win over Pacquiao sparks rematch talks

BRISBANE, Australia – Jeff Horn’s controversial victory over Manny Pacquiao on Sunday has led both camps to explore the possibility of a rematch.

Pacquiao and Horn said they are willing to go at it one more time.

“Absolutely, yes,” Pacquiao replied when asked about the idea of regaining the WBO welterweight title from Horn in the future.

Horn stunned the boxing world with a unanimous decision win over Pacquiao at the Suncorp Stadium here, a result met with criticism by some observers. The decision was further put into question given the fact that Pacquiao outgunned Horn in their 12-round round bout, based on CompuBox numbers.

Pacquiao himself said he felt he did enough to retain the title, but added that he respects the judges’ decision.

The Filipino icon reportedly has a rematch clause in case he loses to Horn. And whether he’ll take the option immediately remains a question.

“We have a closer match, so no problem,” said Pacquiao, who even mentioned doing Pacquiao-Horn 2 in the Philippines.

But Top Rank Inc. chief Bob Arum said that a rematch will likely be held again here. Sunday’s fight at Suncorp drew a total of 52,052 fans, the largest crowd ever for a Pacquiao fight since his bout with Joshua Clottey at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas in March 2010 (over 36,000 fans).

“We do have a legal and also moral obligation to consider Brisbane first,” Arum told the media at the post-fight presser.

Horn, for his part, said he’s ready for anything.

“Possibly, whatever happens, happens,” said the newly crowned champion.