FIGHT TIME
Saturday, July 2nd
7:00 PM PST
10:00 PM EST
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Australia
The Welterweight Legend Returns: The First of Manny Pacquiao's Four Last Fights!
Manny 'Pac-Man' Pacquiao:
...is seeking his current first defense of the WBO welterweight title back as champion, and his 7th overall defense (of a WBO welterweight belt). He won the crown back off Timothy Bradley in their rematch early last year: the first fight was controversial in that Bradley won a decision in a fight which he seemed to be losing most every round. Pacquiao dominated the rematch and sent a message to everyone still fighting in the top 5: Pac Man is still immensely fast and crafty in the ring and he has shown to still be knocking down oversized contenders at the age of 38
The WBO title has changed hands a few times since Manny's first claiming of the title in 2009 (with a hellacious beatdown of perennial top contender Miguel Cotto). The future all-time great and hall of famer will be remembered for his 38 knockouts in 59 fights, his vengeance to nemesis Erik Morales, his dismantling of legends in Oscar De La Hoya and Shane Mosley, and being the first man to stop Marcos Antonio Barrera! Expect the final four of Pacquiao's career to inspire, and show just how elite he truly was and is.
Jeff 'The Hornet' Horn:
...is the WBO Inter-Continental Welterweight champion, and possesses an impressive 16-0 record coming into this bout. The 29-year-old Australian-born champion is seeking to unite the WBO belts, and defeat the biggest test of his career in one of the greatest pressure fighters of all time! Horn fights a bit like champions of old in the way he ducks under and swings his right hand wide. A bit like Dempsey and Marciano, 'The Hornet' will use his counter check right hook which is quite sophisticated, his straight punches also pack a wallop and have helped him accrue his 11 knockouts (and 65% knockout record overall).
Jeff needs to be aware he will be the slower man in his upcoming bout, but his lanky frame and long looping punches can create immense problems for even the most legendary of champions. We will see a motivated young boxer stepping up to the biggest peak of his career, he will need all his wits abound to be a force in this uphill battle!
Breakdown and Prediction:
To some experts and fans, this may seem a mismatch concocted by Bob Arum and the protector's of legacy. Manny Pacquiao has never dodged or sought a way out from a fight, but his management and promotion have at times done terrible jobs at matchmaking him. This is another failure of the boxing system, Jeff Horn is a young and very worthwhile fighter, but when it comes down to basics and skill, there is a huge gap differential. The hand speed will be evident in Pacquiao's favor early on. Horn will need to avoid his normal offensive onslaught because a head first attack against Pacquiao is a one way trip to dreamville.
The Hornet will have to sting from the outside, and use his length and youth to force the clinch, and hurt Pacquiao from the outside when he is worn in the later rounds. We have seen Pacquiao doubted before due to his age and damage taken, but this is somewhat of a mismatch in terms of experience and level of opposition. I see Pacquiao cruising through this fight, but he must beware the formidable power of the young man in front of him.
Prediction: Manny Pacquiao by Unanimous Decision
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