Philippines, 21 Feb 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Yes, Pacquiao is taking Jeff Horn seriously


PhilBoxing.com




MANNY Pacquiao said he would first review the past three fights of Jeff Horn, whom he had heard of for the first time. This was before Pacquiao started training for his July 2 fight with the unbeaten but obscure Australian hope.

It was unclear if Pacquiao found time to watch the Horn fight tapes; and what he saw, if he ever found time to view them.
For his part, Hall-of-Fame trainer Freddie Roach would declare flatly that Horn would be a (mere) tune-up for Pacquiao.

**

Naturally, the whole of Australia became quite anxious, mainly after suspicion rose that Pacquiao was not taking Horn (16-0-1) seriously.

Australian sportswriters, readily dispatched to Manila to interview Pacquiao, ended up frustrated in their first frantic try to corner Pacquiao in the morning.

Wrote Andrew Webster of the Sydney Morning Herald: ?Each time, he failed to appear as promised, as directed, as scheduled.?
The posse of Australian reporters also started to wonder ?if this was all by design.?

**

Fortunately, the visiting reporters caught up with Pacquiao at the training gym that afternoon.

They were one in saying they found Pacquiao both humble and charming.

Still, they failed to pin down Pacquiao on how he finds Horn, an awful 9-1 underdog down in Australia.

**

While Horn has been very open about training doubly hard to put on more power, to the point of hiring a special Korean mentor, there has been nothing much on the over-all preparation.

It would become clear Horn?s main focus would be to stop Pacquao--the earlier, the better--in their world welterweight championship bout.

Pacquiao, the Australian group noted, last scored a stoppage in 2009, against Miguel Cotto. However, there was nothing clear on whether Pacquiao was trying to enhance his once-fabled punching power.

The most significant factor noted was Pacquiao?s rigid gym regimen, which the visitors found truly grueling.

**

Andrew Webster said Pacquiao readily dismissed talks about him taking Horn lightly. Pacquiao was quoted as saying he wanted to focus on speed and agility.

?Quick and strong legs, strong body,? Pacquiao told Webster.
That?s how he hopes to beat Horn, the visiting Australian writer said.

The Australians had seen nothing yet. Pacquiao is scheduled to ramp up training next week.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • BARRIOS vs GARCIA (FIGHT ANALYSIS)
    By Ralph Rimpell, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • FLOYD MAYWEATHER UNRETIRES
    , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • WBC Introduces new award "WBC Main Event" world championship Chain & Pendant
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • WOOD-WARRINGTON II OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED FOR SOLD-OUT REMATCH IN NOTTINGHAM
    , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • "Rompete la Madre" documentary is now in the Mexican theaters
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • A Massive Weekend Ahead for Renowned Trainer Bob Santos
    , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • Barrios vs Garcia: Where Art Thou Ryan Garcia?
    By Chris Carlson, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Pacman bout details revealed
    By Joaquin Henson, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • IIEE to defend Billiard crown in PTC World 2026, World Champ Magpantay is PSA Awardee
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Wood-Warrington II Press Conference Quotes: Everything that Was Said Ahead of Saturday's Sold-Out Rematch in Nottingham
    , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announces Opponents for Rising Stars Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. and Curmel Moton on Feb. 28 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York
    , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Rising Star Promotions Returns to Prudential Center April 10 LIVE ON PROBOX TV
    , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Sante Barley Trilogy Leg 1 on March 29 in Azuela
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Team Rapid chess tourney goes to Pasay City on March 8 By Marlon Bernardino
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • 3rd Horse Show & competition scheduled on February 21-22
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • Robinsons Bacolod Chess Festival set
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Alex Bray Set for WBA Continental Latin American Title Clash February 20 in Orlando
    , Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • Ryan ‘The Bruiser’ Rozicki Calls out Jai Opetaia
    , Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • BREAKING NEWS: DAZN AND MATCHROOM BOXING SIGN NEW FIVE-YEAR DEAL
    , Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • 75 climbers start trekking to Mt. Apo today
    , Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • 4 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Erik Morales Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
    , Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Dainier Pero Locked In Ahead of WBA Continental USA Title Defense in Orlando
    , Wed, 18 Feb 2026
  • A Milestone Birthday: Celebrating Brico Santig's 50 Years of Dedication, and Triumph
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 18 Feb 2026
  • PH bet Chezka Centeno finishes 2nd in Florida
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 18 Feb 2026
  • ARNOLD BARBOZA JR. AND KENNETH SIMS JR. SET FOR HIGH-STAKES CLASH IN CAN’T-MISS MAIN EVENT ON DAZN
    , Wed, 18 Feb 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.