Horn ready for rematch

Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines (left) clinches with Jeff Horn of Australia during their WBO World Welterweight title fight in Brisbane, Australia, Sunday, July 2, 2017. Pacquiao lost his WBO welterweight world title to Jeff Horn in a stunning, unanimous points decision in a Sunday afternoon bout billed as the Battle of Brisbane in front of more than 50,000 people. (Photo by TERTIUS PICKARD / AP)

Jeff Horn is ready to tangle with Manny Pacquiao again and prove that he really won their “Battle of Brisbane” last Sunday.

Shrugging off Pacquiao’s decision to back calls asking for a review of the unanimous decision handing him the World Boxing Organization welterweight crown, Horn said Thursday the ring is the proper venue to settle the dispute.

“I am ready for a rematch,” said Horn during a ticker-tape parade held in his honor in Brisbane. “If he wants to come back and do it again, we will do it. That’s up to him, he’s got the option.”

Thousands joined the celebration, where the former schoolteacher said he doubted if Pacquiao had personally backed a call to review the outcome of last Sunday’s title bout.

“I don’t actually believe that would be Pacquiao actually even saying that himself,” the Australian told Channel Nine.

“Maybe it is his team around him. But Pacquiao seemed very humble in the way that he lost and thought the decision was correct.”

A heavy underdog, the 29-year-old survived a near knockout in the ninth round to stun the 38-year Filipino legend with his roughness and aggressiveness.

The result has been widely questioned, with many believing Pacquiao should have won.

The Fighting Senator on Wednesday backed a formal request by the Philippines’ Games and Amusement Board for the WBO to review the decision.

“I love boxing and I don’t wanna see it dying because of unfair decision and officiating,” Pacquiao said in a statement issued by his office.

“I had already accepted the decision but as a leader and, at the same time, fighter I have the moral obligation to uphold sportsmanship, truth and fairness in the eyes of the public.”

In the twilight of a 22-year pro career in which he won 11 world titles in an unprecedented eight weight divisions, Pacquiao had called for a rematch upon arrival in General Santos on Monday.

If ever, the call for a review will go nowhere.

The WBO tweeted on Wednesday: “The discretion of a referee or judge cannot be reversed, except in a case of fraud or violation of laws which is not the case in Pac vs Horn.”

In Brisbane, with chants of “Hornet! Hornet!” ringing out, the Australian boxer was handed the keys to the city and told thousands of supporters he was ready for the next challenge.

“Thank you all for turning up and supporting me and my dreams and, as you can see, you never give up.

“I went through a tough round nine, pushed hard through and we got there” he told the crowd. “We got that world championship.” There was no doubting the fight’s outcome among fans who came out to greet their hometown hero.

“(It was) an absolutely amazing performance. He (Horn) definitely, definitely, definitely won,” one supporter told Sky News. —ROY LUARCA, AFP