Koncz: Pacquiao to fight Horn in UAE

By: 8 years ago

Manny Pacquiao, of the Philippines, celebrates after defeating Jessie Vargas in their WBO welterweight title boxing match, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)

Manny Pacquiao’s fight against unheralded Jeff Horn which was initially slated in Australia will be held in the United Arab Emirates instead.

According to Michael Koncz, longtime adviser of the Filipino boxing champion, there is “100 percent” the bout will be staged in the UAE.

“It took us a while to get this deal together,”Koncz said in an interview with boxingscene.com. “There was a lot of confusion whether this is going to happen here in the UAE. [But] I’m here with full authority and power. I have been the marriage counsellor for Manny and we have developed a relationship. I’m involved in all aspects of what he does.”

“We have executed the agreement in the morning and 100 percent the fight will he here in the UAE.”

Pacquiao has also announced the development on his Twitter account on Sunday.

“See you in UAE for my next fight. #TeamPacquiao,” he posted.

The 38-year-old Pacquiao is set to defend his WBO welterweight title on April 23 against the much younger Horn, who owns a record of 16-0-4, 11 knockouts.

Pacquiao (59-6-2, 38 KOs) last fought Jessie Vargas three months ago at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. The eight-division champion dominated the fight from start to finish for a unanimous decision victory.