Horn to Pacquiao: If you want it, let’s do it again
Newly minted WBO welterweight champion Jeff Horn poses with fans during a ticker-tape parade on the streets of Brisbane, Australia on Thursday. | Photo from Duco Events
MANILA, Philippines – Jeff Horn is willing to go at it again with Manny Pacquiao if the Filipino icon wants it.
Honored with a ticker-tape parade around Brisbane, Australia Thursday for his title-winning effort against Pacquiao—where he was also presented with the keys to the city—Horn said he has no problems with a rematch.
The newly crowned WBO welterweight title is aware that Pacquiao has a rematch clause, saying he’s ready if ever the Filipino icon decides to exercise it.
"He (Pacquiao) said after the fight he was happy with the decision. He might be changing his mind. But I feel if he wants to do it again, let's do it again. The rematch clause is there for a reason," Horn told AAP.
While Pacquiao initially said he respects Horn’s unanimous decision win last Sunday at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, he added that he believed he did just enough to retain the title.
Pacquiao then backed a protest by the Games and Amusements Board asking the WBO for a thorough review of a fight to spot irregularities in the officiating and judging. The WBO, meanwhile, said it won’t act on the GAB’s call.
Horn bested Pacquiao in an action-filled bout that featured the former imposing his size and will over the latter. At times, Horn was seen employing clinches, and arm and headlocks as part of his bullying style that meant to throw Pacquiao off guard.
He partly succeeded, especially in the early rounds when he managed to pin Pacquiao to the ropes. But the Filipino stormed back in the later rounds to keep the action close.
By the time the final bell sounded, both fighters were bloodied—Horn with a badly swollen right eye and Pacquiao absorbing nasty cuts on both sides of the head due to accidental collisions.
Pacquiao’s camp accused Horn of fighting dirty throughout the 12-round bout, a claim disputed by the gritty Brisbane native.
“Those headbutts and things were very unintentional,” Horn said.
“I could say the same thing about him. He's come in quickly and his head's clashed with mine. I think they're accidents and that's just boxing," he added.
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