By Keith Idec
Jeff Horn knows what’s being written and said about his chances of upsetting Terence Crawford.
Horn is the defending champion and the bigger man, but media and fans alike largely have dismissed him throughout the buildup toward his second title defense against the highly regarded, undefeated Crawford. Horn addressed his predicament during a video interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal on Wednesday after the Australian champion arrived in Las Vegas.
“Look, it is frustrating,” Horn said. “But it’s something I’ve always expected and I’ve just gotta keep winning. I’ve had it my whole career. I had it in the amateur days with other coaches and things. I’ve just gotta keep winning. That’s the key, the key to getting that recognition out there. And if I win this fight, hopefully I can convert a few more people.”
The 30-year-old Crawford (32-0, 23 KOs) is consistently listed as at least a 10-1 favorite over Horn (18-0-1, 12 KOs). They’ll fight June 9 in the main event of an eight-bout card at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas (ESPN+).
The previously unknown Horn, also 30, overcame serious trouble during the ninth round and upset Manny Pacquiao to win the WBO welterweight title July 2 in Brisbane, Australia, Horn’s hometown. His victory was widely considered controversial, but Horn won their 12-round fight on each of the three scorecards.
Judge Waleska Roldan scored nine rounds for Horn and only three for Pacquiao (117-111). Judges Ramon Cerdan and Chris Flores each scored seven rounds for Horn and five for Pacquiao (115-113).
Horn will make his United States debut against Crawford, a former lightweight and super lightweight champion from Omaha, Nebraska.
“Look, it’s very exciting,” Horn said. “This is the first time I’ve spread my wings and gone overseas, except for New Zealand, to another part of the world. And America’s the biggest place to do that. And I’m headlining a card with Terence Crawford at the MGM Grand Casino, so I’m feeling great.”
Keith Idec is a senior writer/columnist for BoxingScene.com. He can be reached on Twitter @Idecboxing.