The team behind WBO welterweight champion Jeff Horn have no problem with the World Boxing Organization (WBO) to re-scoring last Saturday's fight with Manny Pacquiao.
Pacquiao endorsed a formal call by the Philippines' Games and Amusement Board for the WBO to review the outcome of last weekend's fight in Brisbane.
"I love boxing and I don't wanna see it dying because of unfair decision and officiating," Pacquiao, 38, said in a statement issued by his office. "I had already accepted the decision but as a leader and, at the same time, fighter I have the moral obligation to uphold sportsmanship, truth and fairness in the eyes of the public," said Pacquiao, also a sitting senator.
In the twilight of a 22-year pro career in which he won world titles in an unprecedented eight weight divisions, Pacquiao had initially called for a rematch, but later said he would also "think hard" about retiring.
Widely written off by observers, Horn, 29, shocked Pacquiao with his ultra-aggressiveness to earn a unanimous 12-round decision.
The WBO has no intention of reversing the outcome, but they are happy to rescore the fight after Pacquiao complained about the judges and the referee.
"The discretion of a referee or judge cannot be reversed, except in a case of fraud or violation of laws which is not the case in Pac vs Horn," the WBO said. "The contract for Pac vs Horn provides a rematch clause, which the WBO is in accordance (with) if the promoters decide to move forward."
Horn's promoter, Dean Lonergan, lashed out at ESPN commentator Teddy Atlas, for what the promoter feels was very biased comments during the entire broadcast of the Pacquiao fight.
Atlas went bonkers when Horn was announced as the winner via scores of 117-111, 115-113 and 115-113.
If a rematch goes down, and ESPN is involved, Lonergan will do everything possible to ban Atlas from the broadcast.
“A big reason the American people are questioning the result of the fight is that Teddy Atlas was simply biased in his commentary,” Lonergan said to the Daily Telegraph.
“If Manny decides he wants the rematch, and ESPN is the broadcaster, I will do everything in my power to make sure Teddy Atlas is banned from the commentary team. And if that doesn’t work, I will lobby the Immigration Minister Peter Dutton not to allow Teddy Atlas through our border. Teddy Atlas has his head so far up Manny’s arse, he’s going to need a long shower when he finally pulls it out. He should stay within the United States with fellow loudmouth Donald Trump.
“If Teddy Atlas was a Sesame Street character, he’d be Oscar the Grouch. Have a look at Atlas’ commentary partner Timothy Bradley, who praised Horn’s effort throughout. Even though he thought Manny got the decision, Bradley was balanced in his views and intelligent in his phrasing, and admitted that Horn did what no other fighter could do including Bradley himself, which was to back Manny up.”