By Edward Chaykovsky
Undefeated welterweight contender Jeff Horn (16-0-1, 11 KOs) is very confident of becoming an overnight superstar by defeating WBO world champion Manny Pacquiao.
There are ongoing negotiations to stage Pacquiao vs. Horn on April 23 [April 22 in the United States], from Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. Horn expects a crowd of 50,000 supporters to pack the venue in support of his biggest challenge.
Top Rank's CEO Bob Arum, who promotes Pacquiao, is trying to finalize the fight with Dean Lonergan of Duco Events. Last month, Arum and Lonergan reached an agreement to co-promote Horn.
Lonergan will be in Los Angeles on Tuesday to sit down with Arum, as they attempt to wrap things up for the April fight.
Horn is beyond excited about the possibility of facing one of his idols. He believes the difference in size, and youth, will play key roles in the outcome of the contest. Pacquiao, while 38, looked very sharp and very dangerous last November when he easily decisioned Jessie Vargas for the WBO title.
“This is a dream come true,’’ Horn said to Courier Mail. “And it’s a fight I can definitely win. Manny is a lot shorter than me and I fight well against guys who are shorter than me and who are coming forward.’’
“I’ve got youth on my side. He’s 38, I’m 28. He’s got the experience but I think he’s slipped a bit. He’s still got very good movement and skills but he has dropped form just slightly and that means a lot at the top level.’’
Several years before he turned pro, Horn remembers sitting in front of the television and being blown away by Pacquiao's 2008 wipeout of heavily favored Oscar De La Hoya.
“Pacquiao’s a fighter I’ve always looked up to. He was one of the reasons I got into boxing. I always loved the way he moved and the way he fought. He absolutely destroyed De La Hoya when I saw him the first time. I thought ‘wow’. I didn’t really follow boxing then but I was amazed by him. It’s incredible that I could soon be fighting him here in this huge stadium," Horn said.
