The reason why Pacquiao, Jeff Horn have no choice but to fight again

Manny Pacquiao may have agreed to a rematch with Jeff Horn because he has no other option given the controversial nature of their first bout last July, according to fight analyst Ed Tolentino.

Horn dealt Pacquiao a shocking decision loss, one that sparked outrage among boxing pundits and fans.

“Sa totoo lang walang patutunguhan si Manny kundi sa isang rematch kontra kay Jeff Horn, kasi gusto niyang ma-settle ang controversial nature ng unang laban sa ring . . . Ganoon din si Jeff Horn,” Tolentino said in an interview with TJ Manotoc on "The Score" Wednesday night.

“In a way, they have no other recourse but to do it one more time.”

If the bout pushes through, Tolentino thinks Pacquiao will again be the favorite to win but not like what happened last July.

“He won't be the overwhelming favorite gaya noong nauna dahil mas malaki ang kumpiyansa ni Jeff Horn,” said the analyst.

The rematch was “confirmed” when Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk announced that Pacquiao will be returning to the Australian city this year for another go with Horn.

A day later, however, Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo came out with a separate announcement saying they have agreed to sponsor the rematch at Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

If details such the fight date and venue gets clarified, Tolentino expects Pacquiao to undergo a more serious training for the rematch.

“Siguro ito ang magla-light ng fire na kailangan matalo niya si Jeff Horn . . . dahil ayaw niyang matapos ang kanyang career sa isang talo,” Tolentino said.

“Alam niyang kapag manalo ulit si Jeff Horn ay tapos na ang kanyang boxing career.”

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