Top Rank CEO Bob Arum is starting to roll the wheels on reaching an agreement for a rematch between WBO welterweight champion Jeff Horn and eight division beltholder Manny Pacquiao.
The rematch would take place before the end of the year.
Last month at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Horn pulled off a twelve round unanimous decision over Pacquiao to capture the WBO title before a crowd of over 51,000 fans.
The rematch was viewed as controversial by many. Pacquiao was angry with the judges and the referee - complaining that Horn was never penalized for using rough tactics in the ring. Pacquiao suffered two bad cuts from head clashes.
The World Boxing Organization had an investigation with five independent judges and ultimately ruled that there were no issues with the scorecards.
There is an immediate rematch clause, which Pacquiao can exercise. Horn (17-0-1, 11 KOs) has no issue with doing the second fight.
Arum indicates that Australia has the lead in hosting the fight. The veteran promoter has to figure out a perfect date that works for Pacquiao (59-7-2, 38 KOs) in terms of a possible conflict with his full-time job as a senator, and the date also has to work for the chosen venue and the TV network, ESPN.
“We’re trying to figure out when will be the recess (in the Senate) is, so we can schedule the fight. We have to first find out what dates are available, then we will decide where we are going to hold the rematch but most probably in Australia again,” Arum told The Manila Times in an overseas call on Thursday.
Pacquiao, who previously claimed his last bout was the final contractual obligation to Top Rank, denied that he’s angry with Arum.
“I don’t have any problem with Arum. It was the referee and the judges, who had problems during the fight. I don’t want to talk about it anymore,” said Pacquiao.
2023-10-19 03:28:27
