Fresh doubts cast over Horn-Pacquiao rematch
Jeff Horn's camp has hit out angrily at suggestions boxing great Manny Pacquiao could renege on a rematch with the Aussie boxer in November.
The Daily Telegraph spoke with Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, who said while the Filipino still wants the fight, it may have to wait until next year.
* UNBEATABLE: Mayweather extends stunning win streak
* LIKE CLOCKWORK: Floyd says plan worked to perfection
* SHOW-STOPPER: Sporting world reacts to Mayweather victory
* SUITING UP: McGregor gets pre-fight taping while wearing suit
Horn's promoter Dean Lonergan was less than impressed with the news and suggested the Aussie would seek a fight with someone else if Pacquiao isn't available in November.
“To say he’s having second thoughts is pissing me off,” Lonergan said.
“If he carries on again, it would be my advice to move on and forget about him.
“We’ve already booked the venue for November 12.”
Arum says Pacquaio has to weigh up his duties as a senator in the Philippines but would seek clarification when he meets with the boxer this week.
“That was a very physical fight and he may feel like he needs more time to get ready," Arum said.
“Whatever happens we’ll do a title defence for Jeff in November against a top welterweight in Brisbane.
“Jeff is a young guy and we have an obligation to him to have him earn money and keep him active.
“If it's not Manny you adjust prices and maybe do it at a smaller venue."
The idea has clearly infuriated Horn's camp, who seem frustrated by the constant uncertainty surrounding the blockbuster rematch.
In a statement later released by Lonergan, the promoter explained the chain of events that has led to this current impasse.
"Two weeks ago Manny Pacquiao confirmed to Bob Arum of Top Rank that he wanted to exercise his option to rematch with Jeff Horn for the WBO world welterweight championship," the statement read.
"November 12 was the date Pacquiao agreed to the rematch. Up until late this week that was the outcome Top Rank, DUCO promotions, TEQ and Brisbane marketing were working towards in good faith to achieve having the rematch in Brisbane late this week.
"When Bob Arum saw media reports out of the Philippines that representatives of Manny Pacquiao were trying to get the fight in Manila, Arum gave Manny Pacquiao until Saturday, August 26 to confirm that he would recommit to fighting in Brisbane.
"Pacquiao has yet is to reconfirm and as such now has put the Horn rematch in jeopardy.
"On that basis, Top Rank, DUCO promotions, Tourism Events Queensland and Brisbane marketing are now reassessing their options."
