Australian boxing great tells Horn: Don’t give Pacquiao space

Jeff Fenech. Photo by Roy Luarca

BRISBANE, Australia—Here’s an advice from boxing great Jeff Fenech to title aspirant Jeff Horn if he wishes to stun Manny Pacquiao on Sunday.

“Take Manny (Pacquiao) somewhere he hasn’t been before,” said Fenech, an Australian three-divison world champion who retired in 2008. “Don’t allow him the luxury of fighting his fight.”

Fenech, now a burly 53 year-old, was present during the press conference of the “Battle of Brisbane” Wednesday and the international media took turns asking for his opinion on the Pacquiao-Horn tussle for the WBO welterweight crown.

“Don’t give Manny space. Minimize the room,” said Fenech, who compiled a 29-win, 3-loss, 1-draw record.

If necessary, Fenech said Horn should go “dirty.” Ready to shove and push Pacquiao backward to change the fight around.

Fenech offers a simple explanation. “Nobody throws punches while going backward.”

Pacquiao, of course, has that unique ability to unleash some blows as he retreats.

According to Fenech, Horn needs to make it a street fight to boost his chances.

“Take him back to the streets of the Philippines,” said Fenech, who believes that Pacquiao will be uncomfortable in such situations as he’s “Not hungry as he used to be. Achieving success and gaining all the money and fame.”

While he regards Pacquiao in high-esteem, praising the eight-division world champion as a great fighter and a great humanitarian, Fenech said he’ll still pick Horn to win as it will put Australian boxing back on the map.