Australian boxer Jeff ‘The Hornet’ Horn delivered a historic upset on Sunday during the “Battle in Brisbane,” winning the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship title over the Filipino pride Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao with judges scoring the fight 117-111, 115-113, and 115-113.
However, watching the fight from 3,000 miles away saw the total opposite of the fight results.
Yes, I am joining the millions around the world saying there was a clear mess in Brisbane.
Having covered numerous title fights, there have been a few close bouts with results that contradicted expectations, but nothing as messy as what happened over the weekend.
Horn may have fought with style and Pacquiao’s age may have shown in his speed, agility, and power; but the way Horn put Pacquiao in a headlock a couple times, gave up a few head-butts, and an elbow here and there, these “dirty” tactics could have been prevented if referee Mark Nelson offered at least a warning or point deduction.
Like many boxing sites, CompuBox presented real time statistics from the fight, showing an overwhelming advantage for Pacquiao.
Even boxing legend Teddy Atlas, who served as a commentator for ESPN during the fight, showed dismay with the result, even telling Horn he lost the bout during the post-fight interview.
Back in 2013, Jerry ‘Dangerous’ Nardo of Escalante City lost to Australian fighter Australian Brett William Smith in a fight for the World Boxing Union (WBU) lightweight belt, following a 7th Round technical decision after an accidental head clash in the 4th Round.
Nardo lost a second time in Australia, in a fight for the WBU super featherweight title, where he lost to Aussie boxer Corey McConnell via unanimous decision.
Meanwhile, while Top Rank is already lining up opponents for Pacquiao, including Konstantin Ponomarev, Keith Thurman, Errol Spence, Jr., and Terence Crawford, there is a rematch clause in Horn’s contract.
With the victory, Horn’s market value goes up and may earn additional attention from sponsors. That, at the end of every fight, is business as usual./WDJ