We must look at Filipino boxing legend Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao with awe, once again he takes on another younger and bigger opponent in 29 year old unbeaten Australian Jeff Horn.
It never ceases to amaze me, going from Senatorial duties to training camp and fighting a fighter in his prime with youth and power on his side. How many boxers do you know can juggle many jobs and still fight at the top level like WBO welterweight champ Manny Pacquiao? Not many.
Horn is relatively unknown in the United States and Europe, but that is what makes him so dangerous because of the element of surprise factor.
If Pacquiao does not take this fight serious and study the unbeaten Aussie, he can be in for a real shock, and possibly get knocked out in the process.
Horn has the size advantage, but most importantly is he has the hunger and desire to reach the big stage, while Manny has already tasted the fame and accolades twice over. It is a lot harder for someone who has already accomplished so much in the sport to get up for a fight with a little known boxer. Age is also catching up with the PacMan he is 38, with a battle worn body and time waits for no man.
If the fight does happen, I’d say it’s 50-50. Remember this isn’t a fight that team Pacquiao wanted, this is promoter Bob Arum’s preference since he has stake in Horn. The real first choice was Amir Khan, but according to Arum the Dubai money was another false offer.
Pacquiao vs. Horn will be an action packed bout as long as it lasts. Unlike the previous opponents I don’t think Horn will be content with just winning on points, from what I seen of him he is energetic, has heavy hands and a fighters heart. He has been dropped several times only to get up and fight harder, a trait he shares with Pacquiao, both have the heart of a lion. The experience goes to the Filipino congressman, but the motivational edge is definitely with the Horn who has yet to taste the money, fame and accolades.
If you recall a young man with blond highlights from the Philippines smiling as he stepped into the ring with an African champion named Ledwaba, that super bantamweight boxer took the fight on two weeks notice and a star was born, his name was Manny Pacquiao. Horn is in the same situation as a young PacMan he can upset and shock the world and become a champion.
