MANILA, Philippines – Unheralded Australian boxer Jeff Horn is now a potential opponent for Manny Pacquiao when the Filipino legend returns to the ring later this year.
A report from The Manila Times quoted Top Rank chief executive Bob Arum as saying that Horn (16-0-1, 11 knockouts) is a "good possibility" for Pacquiao though nothing has been set in stone yet.
A separate report from Manila Bulletin, meanwhile, said Pacquiao is likely to fight outside the United States this year. Horn's home turf of Australia, as well as England and the Middle East are all possible venues.
"He can be the second fight (of 2017), because Manny told me he wants to fight twice next year," Arum said in a press conference in Auckland last year.
The 28-year-old Horn has yet to fight outside of Australia, and has not faced off against a boxer of Pacquiao's or even Bradley's caliber. His most recent bout was a sixth round stoppage of Ali Funeka at the Vector Arena in Auckland last December 10, in which he defended the WBO intercontinental welterweight title.
After his win over Funeka, Horn expressed hope that Arum was impressed enough by his performance to put him in the running for a bout against Pacquiao.
As early as now, Horn has already started training for the "Pacman." He told an Australian news outlet that facing off against the Filipino star "would be a dream come true."
"He's an awesome boxer," Horn said. "But I believe I can take his world title."
Pacquiao became a world champion anew after cruising past Vargas in November 2016, in what was his return bout after a very brief retirement.
(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.)
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