Manny Pacquiao loses WBO welterweight title to upstart Jeff Horn in controversial decision

BRISBANE, Australia — This was a shocker.

In a controversial unanimous decision, Manny Pacquiao lost his WBO Welterweight title in Australia to new national hero Jeff Horn in a televised fight on ESPN.

Pacquiao appeared to control most of the fight, with Horn sticking with him for most of the way. The biggest controversy comes for the ninth round, where Pacquiao came close to scoring a knockout in what looked like a 10-8 round.

ESPN’s Teddy Atlas was furious after the fight, calling out what he said was a home country ruling. Boxer Timothy Bradley, who was calling the fight with Atlas, also said he thought Pacquiao won the fight.

This will be interesting over the next few days, as boxing will have to again try and justify another controversial ruling.

Cox Media Group