Manny Pacquiao asks WBO to review world title defeat to Jeff Horn

Manny Pacquiao has asked the World Boxing Organisation to act on a request by Philippine sports officials for a review of his welterweight world title loss to Jeff Horn, saying he didn’t want to see the boxing industry “dying because of unfair decision and officiating”.

While Pacquiao has accepted his defeat to Horn, who was fighting in his first world title bout in Sunday’s so-called “Battle of Brisbane”, the Philippine senator on Wednesday said that as a leader and boxer he has “the moral obligation to uphold sportsmanship, truth and fairness in the eyes of the public”.

The 11-time world champion cited a request by the Philippines’ Games and Amusements Board to WBO president Francisco Valcarcel for a thorough review of the refereeing and judging.

Horn was declared the winner at Suncorp Stadium by a unanimous points decision. The three judges scored the bout 117-111, 115-113, 115-113 in the Australian’s favour.

Pacquiao accepted the judges’ decision at the time and said he was keen for a rematch as soon as possible. That is likely to happen before the end of the year, with Brisbane again the most likely venue.

ESPN

Trader Velizar Mitov