Manny Pacquiao Defeated by Jeff Horn in Controversial Decision

Manny Pacquiao lost his welterweight world title to Australian Jeff Horn in Brisbane on Saturday night. Pacquiao was a heavy favorite coming into the fight and it seemed as if he dominated the 12 round bout.

Pacquiao has rightfully been labeled the victim of an extremely controversial decision—the result of “home judges.” Of the three judges, two of them scored it 115-113 for Horn and the other had 117-111 also in favor of the Aussie. On the other hand, ESPN scored it 117-111 for Pacquiao and ESPN ringside analyst Teddy Atlas scored it 116-111 in favor of Pacquiao.

Overall, Pacquiao landed 32% of his punches (182-for-573) while Horn only landed 92-of-625, coming in at 15%.

Horn and Pacquiao both seemed shocked when the belt was handed over but Manny and Freddie Roach, his trainer, both maintained respectful, sportsmanlike post-fight interviews, praising Horn’s strength and poise. Pacquiao holds the rights to a rematch and commented that he would “absolutely” exercise them so that could have possibly played a role in their calm reactions.

Horn logged a few brutal shots in the 6th and 7th rounds but Pacquiao’s dominance in rounds nine through twelve had everyone expecting a victory for the 38-year-old Filipino legend.

All in all, Horn—a former Olympian—is a respected fighter but very few saw this coming. While undoubtedly controversial, Horn was able to pick up what is undeniably the biggest win in Australian boxing history and add it to his young, short resume.

 

Featured Image via Wikimedia

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