Jeff Horn Says Pacquiao Is Avoiding a Rematch: “He’s Afraid—He Doesn’t Want It Again!”

A Controversial Victory

In July 2017, Jeff Horn shocked the boxing world when he defeated Manny Pacquiao by unanimous decision in Brisbane, Australia. The result was one of the most debated outcomes in modern boxing history, with many fans and analysts believing Pacquiao had done enough to win. Despite the official scorecards, the decision sparked outrage and controversy that still lingers today.

Now, years later, Horn has once again spoken out, doubling down on his belief that he won the fight fairly and claiming Pacquiao has no interest in facing him again.

Horn’s Bold Words

Speaking about the possibility of a second encounter, Horn didn’t mince his words.

“I definitely won that fight. My team was happy to take the rematch and prove it once again… but Pacquiao doesn’t want to do it again,” Horn declared.

The Australian fighter insists that Pacquiao’s reluctance to agree to a rematch shows fear or at least hesitation to revisit a night that remains highly disputed among fans and boxing insiders.

The Fight That Shook the World

The Horn-Pacquiao bout was billed as “The Battle of Brisbane” and drew more than 50,000 fans to Suncorp Stadium. Horn, then an underdog, fought with relentless pressure, pushing Pacquiao into rough exchanges and surviving dangerous flurries from the Filipino icon.

At the end of 12 rounds, the judges awarded Horn a unanimous decision, with scores of 117–111, 115–113, and 115–113. The verdict stunned the boxing community. ESPN commentators, including Teddy Atlas, famously criticized the decision live on air, saying Pacquiao had been “robbed.”

The controversy sparked debates across the globe, with even the World Boxing Organization (WBO) conducting an independent review of the fight. Their panel of judges ultimately upheld Horn’s victory, but the cloud of dispute never fully lifted.

Pacquiao’s Perspective

Manny Pacquiao, ever the professional, accepted the outcome officially but made it clear that he felt he had won. In the years that followed, Pacquiao went on to defeat fighters like Lucas Matthysse, Adrien Broner, and Keith Thurman, proving that he remained one of boxing’s elite well past his prime.

As for a rematch with Horn, Pacquiao and his team never pursued it seriously. For Pacquiao, perhaps the controversy wasn’t worth revisiting, especially with bigger challenges and opportunities ahead in his career.

Horn’s Career After Pacquiao

Jeff Horn’s victory over Pacquiao was undoubtedly the pinnacle of his career. After becoming the WBO welterweight champion, Horn defended the title once before losing it to Terence Crawford in 2018. Later in his career, Horn suffered defeats to Michael Zerafa and Tim Tszyu, ultimately retiring in 2020.

Despite the setbacks, Horn’s win over Pacquiao remains the defining moment of his boxing journey. It’s no surprise he continues to stand by it with pride—and to challenge Pacquiao to prove otherwise.

Fans Still Divided

The callout from Horn has reignited old debates. Supporters argue that Horn fought bravely, earned his win, and deserves respect for standing toe-to-toe with a legend. Critics maintain that Pacquiao landed the cleaner, more effective punches and was robbed by poor judging.

The idea of a rematch, even now, sparks curiosity. Could Horn prove it wasn’t a fluke? Or would Pacquiao, despite being older, deliver a statement victory to erase the controversy once and for all?

Conclusion: A Rivalry Frozen in Time

Jeff Horn’s insistence that Pacquiao is avoiding a rematch keeps the memory of their 2017 clash alive. His words—“I definitely won that fight… Pacquiao doesn’t want to do it again”—underline his belief that history was written fairly, even if many fans disagree.

Whether or not a rematch ever happens, the Pacquiao-Horn saga remains one of boxing’s most polarizing chapters. For Horn, it was the night that defined his career. For Pacquiao, it was a rare blemish on an otherwise legendary résumé. And for fans, it will forever be remembered as a fight that split the boxing world down the middle.