Manny Pacquiao. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
BRISBANE, Australia—Manny Pacquiao intends to impart boxing lessons on Jeff Horn come July 2.
Asked on how he, a Philippine senator, feels about fighting Horn, a former school teacher, for the world title, Pacquiao gave a witty reply.
“It’s good that he’s a teacher. I’m also a teacher in the ring,” Pacquiao said during his media workout at PCYC gym inside Suncorp Stadium, where he will be staking the WBO welterweight crown against the unbeaten Horn.
Though out for an impressive performance, Pacquiao refused to predict a stoppage that has eluded him for eight yerars.
“I’ll do my best. The knockout will come,” said Pacquiao, stressing that he’s not underestimating Horn, who owns a 16-0-1 record with 11 knockouts.
“He’s good. That’s why I trained hard. I’m prepared for different techniques. Whether aggressive or moving around, ” added Pacquiao who appeared before the media with a visibly reddish left eye.
It was reportedly caused by the entry an unknown particle, which he scratched, when he was jogging at the botanical garden grounds in the morning.
Pacquiao said it poses no concern and proceeded to shadow box and do the mitts with Roach in a jovial mood, impressing the crowd with the loud, banging sound of his punches and the rapid feet movements.
Though he’s aware of Horn’s reputation as an aggressor and a banger, Pacquiao said he won’t be surprised if the former physcial education instructor, deviates from his usual stance.
Pacquiao admitted, however, he would prefer if Horn chooses to engage toe-to-toe.
“I’m ready for that,” said Pacquiao, who wants to give fans that are sure to pack the 52,500-seat arena.
Virtually immune to pre-fight pressure, Pacquiao added he knows what Horn is undergoing (mentally), especially with the 12-round bout just five days away.
“I know what he’s feeling. I’ve been there,” said Pacquiao, who has gone through 67 ring wars en route to being an 11-time world champion in an unprecedented eighth divisions.
According to Pacquiao, he and Roach had a great training camp, especially in General Santos City and arrived here Saturday already in tip-top shape.
Pacquiao wants to show Horn and sports fans that even at 38 he’s still the master teacher.