Pacquiao (59-6-2,38 KOs) is set to face unbeaten Australian boxer Jeff Horn on July 2 at the Suncorp Arena in Brisbane, Australia. At stake in the 12-round title fight is Pacquiao’s WBO welterweight belt.
The 38-year-old fighting senator from the Philippines is favored to win the fight on the basis of his 22-year experience as a professional boxer. But Horn (16-0-1, 11 KOs), is confident he will beat Pacquiao despite his limited experience as a professional boxer.
Pacquiao is coming off two straight wins after losing to Floyd Mayweather in 2015 while Horn is unbeaten in 17 pro fights.
Pacquiao spoke to Ben Damon in a TV interview barely three days before the fight and he expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome accorded him in Brisbane.
“This is one of a kind with lots of fighting at the big stadium in front of 50,000 or 60,000 people. It’s going to be exciting,” Pacquiao said.
“I never expected this much support by the Australian people. I am so thankful and I hope this is not my last fight here. I hope I can come back and fight again,” he added.
In his fight contract with Jeff Horn, there is a reported rematch clause which requires Horn to grant Pacquiao an automatic rematch in case he is defeated by Horn.
But with the enthusiastic Australian audience wanting to see him wherever he goes in Brisbane, Pacquiao is likely to fight again in Australia regardless of the result of his fight against Horn on July 2.
