Horn Vs Pacquiao: WINNER

In a win described by commentator Danny Green “unbelievable”, Jeff Horn has defeated Manny Pacquiao via unaimous decision (115-113 x 2, 117-111) in what was a stunning upset at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane today.

The fight is being broadcast live on cable TV in the US but that doesn’t mean Jeff Horn’s about to become a household name in the States anytime soon.

In an article on American sports website Deadspin - where they analysed the motivation behind Pacquiao choosing to fight the unheralded Australian - the piece illustrated how far Horn has to go to earn respect on the world boxing circuit.

“Horn is undefeated in 17 fights (16-0-1), but he’s fought mediocre competition and you won’t find many serious boxing fans or writers who give him a chance,” Daniel Roberts wrote.

“Rodney Dangerfield famously said, ‘If you want to look thin, hang out with fat people.’ And that is, more or less, what you should expect to get tonight: a clearly over-the-hill fighter trying desperately to dig his way out of hock and look fearsome once more taking on a no-name, no-threat opponent who, if nothing else, should make Pacquiao look downright ferocious by comparison.”

WOW.

This assessment comes on the back of esteemed ESPN boxing writer Dan Rafael also refusing to hype Horn up, labelling him “Jeff Who”.

“Horn’s resume is weak,” Rafael wrote.

“His two most notable wins are the KO of Ali Funeka, who was at his best as a lightweight but lost title fights to Nate Campbell and Joan Guzman nearly a decade ago, and a seventh-round knockout earlier in 2016 against long-faded former junior welterweight and welterweight titleist Randall Bailey.

“(He) has not done anything to warrant his status as Pacquiao’s mandatory challenger.

“The fight is a chance to change his life, win a title and perhaps send Pacquiao into retirement if he can find his ‘Rocky’ moment.”

Well. That didn't happen.

Photo: AAP