Current welterweight champion, Jeff Horn and boxing legend, Manny Pacquiao (Pac Man) are on their way for a rematch. The promoters confirmed that Manny would return for a Battle of Brisbane II.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk had earlier threatened Manny’s camp to pull support and funding of the fight unless confirmed that the Filipino great would fight in Brisbane.
“I have had a meeting earlier today which has confirmed that Manny Pacquiao will definitely be in Brisbane this year for a rematch with Jeff Horn,” Quirk told local media.
Quirk added, “It was a matter of Manny Paqcuiao deciding whether he wanted to take up that clause in the contract to give a rematch in the event that he lost.”
Majority of boxing fans were surprised by the results of the unanimous decision of the judges on their first match in favour of Horn. Many observers believe that Pac Man should have won the fight over the Australian school teacher. I guess this is what rematch are really for, to prove that a controversial decision is actually whether right or wrong.
Spotted having casual lunch together at Breakfast Creek Hotel having a meet and greet are Minister Kate Jones, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Jeff Horn and Dean Lonergan from Duco Events. It is presumed what transpired in their conversations are how to close the deal on the rematch. Ms. Palaszczuk confirmed a formal deal was in the works after the first match elevated the state economy that provided a $25 million boost.
The Premier also said, “It was an informal discussion, but I can confirm my Government is in advanced formal negotiations to secure the rematch.”
The city council’s major events branch, Brisbane Marketing, would head the re-negotiations with promoters Top Rank and Duco Events.
After the first bout and a time off to rest and recover, Horn said he’d only just started training again. He says that he is starting slowly with some weights and fitness so that his body won’t get too sore. But he knows he has to step it up depending on the final outcome of the negotiation.
Pacquiao, on the other hand, still has senatorial duties in the Philippines. It’s not known if he already started training for the next fight, but he’s a great living legend on his own and he has too much experience already to just sit around the corner. The rematch would probably on the week when Manny is taking a break from being a Senator to possibly becoming once again a world welterweight champion.
The exact date of the fight has not been released yet but it’s rumoured to be set on November of this year at Suncorp Stadium the same place where the humble schoolteacher Horn defeated Pacquiao for the WBO welterweight belt in a unanimous 12-round decision last July.
Since the rematch is almost a done deal, are you ready to see another exciting bout between the two? It would be marvellous to once again see the humble Australian school teacher battle the legendary Filipino in the ring.