Legend set to rule
Horn on a high but Pacquiao predicted to be the man
BOXING: There are few sports that match boxing for feel-good tales of against-the-odds success.
But three of Toowoomba’s leading boxing identities can see no fairytale victory unfolding for Brisbane schoolteacher Jeff Horn when he faces legendary Filipino Manny Pacquiao at Suncorp Stadium tomorrow.
Toowoomba’s Commonwealth title-holder Kris George predicts a comfortable win for Pacquiao while trainer-promoter Brendon Smith and his former WBO world lightweight champion Michael Katsidis can’t see a Horn upset in the wind.
“It depends on what sort of Pacquiao turns up and I’d like to see Horn do well,” George said.
“The better he does the better it will be for Australian boxing.
“When you punch like Horn you’re always a chance of taking out anyone but I’m expecting a unanimous points win to Pacquiao.”
Smith believes Horn will need to conjure a knock-out to realise a dream victory.
“One thing I’ve learned over a long period in this business is nothing is ever guaranteed,” Smith said.
“On form and class, Manny should be far too strong.
“I hope Jeff can do it. He’s a great guy and great model with an incredible opportunity on Sunday.
“If he is to beat Manny his best hope is to catch him with a right hand.
“I don’t believe he can out-work him.”
Katsidis has fought some of the world’s all-time greats including Juan Marquez who has also defeated Pacquiao.
“Pacquiou hasn’t knocked anyone out in eight years — but forget that statistic because he has been fighting world-class athletes,” Katsidis said.
“Horn is going to get hit a lot. He has to find another way to finish this fight. It’s not going to be easy because Manny will be very fast using his lateral movement and skill to confuse Jeff.
“The crowd will want Horn to go well and that will be a big factor.
“But I don’t think it will go past six rounds with Pacquiao winning convincingly. Whatever happens Jeff will do Australian boxing proud.”