Why Horn fight is a must-win for Pacquiao
MANILA, Philippines – There is a lot at stake for Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao in what is, by most measures, a low-risk bout against little-known Australian fighter Jeff Horn.
The "Pacman" is widely expected to notch a comfortable victory against Horn, a former London Olympian who has only 17 professional bouts under his belt. He has been installed as a huge favorite against the 29-year-old Horn, who is fighting for a world championship for the very first time in his career.
"He's ready for this fight," trainer Freddie Roach said of Pacquiao on Tuesday in Australia, ahead of a media workout. "He's 100% ready. I can't wait for this to start."
There are signs that Pacquiao is on his way to putting on an explosive performance against Horn. Roach revealed that he knocked down his sparring partners twice during training camp -- something that has not happened "in maybe six years."
"I've been waiting for that for a while now," Roach said. "He's a lot more explosive than usual… I expect him to be at his best in the fight. He's very explosive. I'm looking for a good win here."
A "good win" against Horn is vital. Roach knows that Pacquiao cannot afford to struggle against the Australian, even in victory. If the "Pacman" looks a step slow – or God forbid, seems old – against Horn, then it will likely signal the end of his career.
Source: http://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/06/27/17/why-horn-fight-is-a-must-win-for-pacquiao
The "Pacman" is widely expected to notch a comfortable victory against Horn, a former London Olympian who has only 17 professional bouts under his belt. He has been installed as a huge favorite against the 29-year-old Horn, who is fighting for a world championship for the very first time in his career.
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| Manny Pacquiao (R) spars with his trainer Freddie Roach during a training session in Brisbane on Tuesday in preparation for his upcoming WBO Welterweight title defense against Australian challenger Jeff Horn. Tertius Pickard, AFP |
There are signs that Pacquiao is on his way to putting on an explosive performance against Horn. Roach revealed that he knocked down his sparring partners twice during training camp -- something that has not happened "in maybe six years."
"I've been waiting for that for a while now," Roach said. "He's a lot more explosive than usual… I expect him to be at his best in the fight. He's very explosive. I'm looking for a good win here."
A "good win" against Horn is vital. Roach knows that Pacquiao cannot afford to struggle against the Australian, even in victory. If the "Pacman" looks a step slow – or God forbid, seems old – against Horn, then it will likely signal the end of his career.
Source: http://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/06/27/17/why-horn-fight-is-a-must-win-for-pacquiao
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