Pacquiao not underestimating Horn, says Roach

Filipino boxing icon and Senator-elect Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao recently ranked 35th in ESPN’s “World Fame 100,” which listed the world’s most popular athletes based on combined salary and endorsements, social media following and Google search popularity. AP FILE PHOTO

He may be facing a little-known Australian boxer, but Manny Pacquiao is not underestimating Jeff Horn.

Pacquiao, who is on a two-fight win streak, is defending his WBO welterweight crown against Horn in July 2 in Brisbane, Australia.

“He is working his ass off for this fight and we will be keeping the world title. Manny doesn’t underestimate anyone. He knows upsets can happen in boxing and that Horn is a good puncher but we are prepared for anything,” said trainer Freddie Roach in a report on Boxing Scene.

READ: Pacquiao slowly begins getting into shape for Horn bout

While training camp is due to open in May, the senator has already started sweating it out with jogging and basketball to get himself into shape early.

The bulk of eight-week training camp is expected to be held in the Philippines to accommodate Pacquiao’s schedule as a politician.

“No fighter in the world has Manny’s work ethic. He runs for an hour in the morning and does 65 rounds of training in the gym every day,” Roach said in the same interview

READ: It’s Pacquiao-Horn after all |

The Hall of Fame trainer is also hoping that his prized ward can end his long knockout drought against Horn. The eight-division world champion last KO was in 2009.

“We’re going for the knock out. Horn is a strong guy, a counterpuncher but we’re coming up with a game plan to make sure that Manny Pacquiao flies home still with that world title belt in his possession.’’

Roach said he is expecting “big fights” for Pacquiao in the near future and the bout against Horn is in preparation for those.