Filipino boxer-turned-senator Manny Pacquaio and former Australian school teacher Jeff Horn are set to battle it out once again in the ring. But the question remains, when and where?
Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk announced on Monday, August 21, the Manny Pacquiao-Jeff Horn will be held in Brisbane, Australia.
“This (rematch) is now confirmed it will happen. I have had a meeting earlier today which has confirmed that Manny Pacquiao will definitely be in Brisbane this year for a rematch with Jeff Horn,” Sydney Morning Herald quoted Quirk as saying.
Top Rank Inc. chief Bob Arum echoed the mayor’s announcement, eyeing November 12 as the tentative date for the rematch to be held at the 50,000-seater Suncorp Stadium.
A day later, Department of Tourism (DOT) secretary Wanda Teo issued a contrasting statement, saying the anticipated rematch will be held in the Philippine Arena this December.
“Just this morning we have talked to [1-PACMAN Partylist] Rep. Eric Pineda. He was asking us if we could sponsor the Pacquiao fight this coming December. So we’re working on that,” The Philippine Star quoted the tourism secretary as saying.
A rematch clause was included in the contract signed by the two boxers, allowing Pacquiao to challenge again in the event that he loses the title to Horn.
The eight-division world champion lost to the Australian contender via unanimous decision last month, handing Horn the WBO welterweight champion title.
In what could be considered as the greatest upsets in sports this year, the newcomer Horn beat the seasoned veteran Pacquiao in the judges’ scorecards 117-111, 115-113, 115-113.
Credit: The Philippine Star, Sydney Morning Herald
Photo credit: torresboxing, Instagram
