Manny Pacquiao waves to his supporters after his loss to Jeff Horn of Australia in Brisbane last Sunday
AP
Pacquiao dismisses retirement calls, wants another fight against Horn
General Santos City–Rematch over retirement.
Manny Pacquiao guaranteed a return bout with Jeff Horn Monday night, shelving calls to end a sterling ring career outright.
“There’s a rematch,” Pacquiao said after having late dinner at his mansion here.
Beaten by Horn in their showdown for the World Boxing Organization welterweight crown Sunday in Brisbane, Pacquiao wants to exact revenge on the Australian, who roughed him up to earn a disputable unanimous decision.
Horn said during the post-fight conference Sunday that he is willing to give Pacquiao a chance to regain the 147-pound crown anywhere, including the Philippines.
On Monday, however, when Horn was being feted in his hometown, he announced that if ever there will be a rematch, it should be held again in Brisbane.
Owing to the tremendous success of “Battle in Brisbane,” which reportedly enriched the city coffers by $25 million aside from gaining worldwide attention, Brisbane officials have endorsed Pacquiao-Horn II.
Informed of the development, Pacquiao said he won’t mind returning to Suncorp Stadium to seek revenge on Horn.
“Even in Brisbane, no problem,” said Pacquiao, who’s out for revenge. “There will be talks.”
One of the chief concerns is when will the bout be staged.
The original timetable is for Pacquiao to fight in November, but it still hinges on Pacquiao’s work as a senator and how swift negotiations between the Pacquiao camp and Horn’s handlers will be done.
Side issues include the fighters’ purses and the event’s coverage.
In the first fight, Pacquiao reportedly got $10M and Horn $500,000. ESPN aired “Battle of Brisbane” on free television and posted viewership record.
Back at home with his children, Pacquiao said he would rest for a while as the Senate is on break. “I’ll relax first.”
But once the rematch deal is signed, Pacquiao will get to work and put his aging body in the best shape possible.
With his legacy secured, 11-time world champion in an unprecedented eight divisions, Pacquiao said it would be easy for him to walk away.
Closing his career, with a loss however, is unacceptable for Pacquiao. If he retires, it should be on a winning note.
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