(Reuters) — Jeff Horn is all smiles fresh off a decision by the the World Boxing Organization (WBO) that concluded he won his July 2 bout against Manny Pacquiao after the controversial points decision in Brisbane sparked calls for a review.
“He (Pacquiao) said after the fight he thought the decision was fair, but then to turn around and say you want a recount. Didn’t sound like it was really coming from him,” said Horn during an interview in Los Angeles.
“So I guess speak for yourself more in the future,” Horn added, accusing Pacquiao of letting his handlers question the decision even though he accepted the outcome after the fight.
Horn took the Filipino great’s welterweight world title after judges scored the bout 117-111, 115-113 and 115-113 in the 29-year-old’s favor, but many observers questioned the outcome, saying the officials had made a “hometown decision.”
While there has been talk that 38-year-old Pacquiao may retire, a rematch was written into the contract for the initial fight and the pair are expected to face each other again later this year.
“I’m sure he’ll probably be wanting a rematch and I’d be happy to give it to him,” Horn said adding that he is ready “to take on any name out there” if Pacquiao doesn’t want another fight.
Former schoolteacher Horn, who improved his record to 17-0-1 after the win over the eight-division world champion, said he felt vindicated after the WBO’s statement.
