Arum on Pacquiao-Horn 2: An even fight

MANILA, Philippines – Bob Arum was one of the very few people who gave Jeff Horn a chance against Manny Pacquiao when the two boxers first met last July in Brisbane.

Arum even blamed Pacquiao's loss to some people around the eight-division champion, those who said that the only way the latter could lose the fight "is if he trips on his way to the ring."

Horn, the veteran promoter said, knew how to fight, and it showed inside the ring, resulting to a stunning victory, and the former school teacher snatching the WBO welterweight crown from Pacquiao.

If and when the rematch is held, Arum would still feel the same.

"I think it's an even fight. It's a fifty-fifty fight," he told The STAR in phone interview.

"In Australia, Horn should be the favorite and in the United States and in the betting Manny will be the favorite," Arum added.

Horn is now regarded as a hero in Australia, and this should further boost his confidence that he can continue to throw his weight around the ring.

"I think so," Arum said.

"It seems to me that a lot of people did not give Horn much of a chance in the first fight and now that he's won the fight everybody will look at it as a much more competitive fight," Arum said.

An announcement was made in Brisbane a few days ago that Pacquiao had agreed to fight Horn in a rematch on November 12 at the Suncorp Stadium.

Arum said he expects Pacquiao to put his signature over the dotted line anytime soon, so Top Rank and Duco Events could start promoting the fight.

"The end of the year is getting closer and we have to make sure we have an event happening. We need time to promote the event if it's going to happen," said Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk.

"The year is fast running out and you need lead time to do an event like this," he said.