O mission
Horn looks like he’s a little bit of a puncher. One thing about Australian fighters is he’ll definitely be in shape – they work hard, their work ethic is good. I’ve seen a lot of Australians in my gym. I actually have three permanently right now. FREDDIE ROACH
leaning towards Garcia.
That’s assuming Pacquiao overcomes the Australian, who said during the week he was confident he could stop the world champion. Should Horn win, he’ll grant Pacquiao a customary rematch, most likely in November this year.
Horn’s confidence is mirrored by fight promoter Dean Lonergan.
‘‘It’s going to be an absolute war and I think at the back end of it we’re going to have a brand new champion and a new legend, one that all of Australia can celebrate,’’ Lonergan said.
‘‘I know that’s not what Manny Pacquiao wants to hear and I know it’s not what [promoter] Bob Arum wants to hear, but at the end of the day it’s a new guard, we’re going forward.’’
Roach expects his ageing star to fight on beyond this year, but said retirement was looming for the veteran.
‘‘When I tell him he’s done, he will retire,’’ Roach said.
‘‘He’s not there yet, his work ethic is so great; he trains really hard for every fight.
‘‘He still has a couple of years left in him.’’ The Sun-Herald PHOTOSPORT