Former world champion and Australian boxing legend, Jeff Fenech, is very shocked that Manny Pacquiao has made a request to the World Boxing Organization, where the eight division champion demands that the sanctioning body review the scoring of his fight with Jeff Horn.
Last weekend, Pacquiao lost his WBO welterweight world title to Horn in a stunning, unanimous points decision in front of more than 51,000 people at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
The 11-time world champion entered the ring as a massive favorite but got more than he bargained for against the 29-year-old former schoolteacher. All three of the official judges scored the fight for Horn with tallies of 117-111, 115-113 and 115-113.
Fenech, who recently called on Pacquiao to retire, says the issue of who actually won is not a topic for continued debate.
“Jeff Horn won — end of story. He dominated the first six rounds and Manny is just trying to save face now. The American commentary was ridiculous — they said Pacquiao got ripped off. What fight were they watching? All they are trying to do is rob Jeff Horn of the glory he deserves. This was one of the greatest wins ever by an Australian boxer," Fenech said to ABC News.
Also backing Fenech's stance is another Australian boxing legend, Johnny Lewis, who trained six world champions including Fenech.
“I had Jeff Horn winning eight rounds to four,” said Lewis.
There is a rematch clause in the contract, which Pacquiao has the legal ability to exercise if he chooses. At the moment the 38-year-old boxer is reviewing all of his future options and retirement is certainly a possibility. Since winning a senatorial seat last May in the Philippines, Pacquiao's political career has really taken off and his team believes the tough veteran is no longer capable of juggling a boxing career with a full-time gig as a senator.
2023-10-18 22:56:19
