Undefeated Horn, 28, is currently in pole position to be in the opposite corner to the ‘Pacman’ in April, for what will be 38 year-old Pacquiao’s first bout outside the Unites States for three years.
Lonergan is set to meet up with Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank next week in a bid to thrash out a deal that could see Brisbane-native Horn land home advantage against the Filipino Senator.
“Everything is set up for discussions and I’m talking with Bob Arum about Pacquiao v Horn on Tuesday,” Lonergan exclusively told World Boxing News.
“I think Bob is still looking at the Middle East, Mexico, Australia and maybe England as possible venues, so I guess it will depend on the opponent and deals stacking up.
“I will be pushing hard for, firstly to get Jeff Horn the Pacquiao fight, and secondly to try and get the fight in Australia. If we can take it down under, the fight would then take place in a venue that makes the most financial sense.
“Manny Pacquiao is a global sporting superstar, so being up against the unbeaten Australian fighter that Jeff Horn is, this fight would work in either Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne or even Adelaide. In terms of the actual staging of the fight, any number of venues from the Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Entertainment Center, Etihad stadium in Melbourne or the Adelaide Oval can be considered.
“This fight would be massive for Australian boxing as Jeff Horn is the best Australian boxer in a generation. He deserves to be able to showcase his immense talent on a global stage, and getting in the ring with Manny Pacquiao will achieve that. Jeff Horn v Manny Pacquiao will be one of the best fights of the year in world boxing and the best of all time in Australia.
“Both fighters fight in a no retreat, all action style so it’s a dream match-up for boxing and sports fans alike. Whilst Jeff Horn is little known on the world stage now, if he gets in the ring with Manny Pacquiao, he will become a superstar overnight when he causes one of the great upsets in boxing history,” he added.
As things currently stand, Arum hasn’t mentioned any other possibilities for Pacquiao, meaning Horn is in the driving seat to land a career-biggest purse this spring.
A fight with Amir Khan in England or the Middle-East, alongside a big-name Mexican across the border, remain the only other dangers to Pacquiao v Horn finally getting the green go light next week.
