Jeff Horn returned from the edge of defeat in the ninth round to score a controversial decision victory in the fight of his life against Manny Pacquiao.
‘The Hornet’ used rough-house tactics to consistently throw Pacquiao off his stride in the first half of the contest, although the Filipino former Pound for Pound king still seemed to be the more accurate of the two.
Two headbutts opened up nasty gashes on Pacquiao’s head as Horn led with his forehead time and again in a bid to unsettle the champion.
Through eight rounds, the fight was undoubtedly close on the cards, while Horn’s tank was almost empty as Pacquiao piled on the pressure in the ninth.
Jeff Horn defeats Manny Pacquiao
Referee Mark Nelson warned Horn, whose face was an absolute mess by this time, that he had to show him something, or he’d be pulled out of the fight, and the challenger came back galvanized to give it one last considerable effort.
A bloody Pacquiao still looked to be landed more than the tough Aussie, but Horn’s hands were raised when the scorecards returned.
Judges carded 117-111 and 115-113 (twice) in favor of Horn, who can claim a career-best win over what was sadly a shell of the old ‘Pacman’ at the Suncorp Stadium.
Pacquiao and his team may seize upon talk of a rematch in November, which may come to fruition should the Senator need another payday.
Horn claims a first world crown as he carries the WBO welterweight title, which is a short distance from his Brisbane home, and Pacquiao contemplates his future at the age of 38.
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