Jeff Horn, renowned for his remarkable victory over Manny Pacquiao to claim the WBO welterweight world title, announced his official retirement on Sunday due to memory issues.
The former schoolteacher’s triumph over Pacquiao in a unanimous 12-round points decision in Brisbane back in 2017 remains one of the most celebrated moments in Australian sports history.
Although a rematch with Pacquiao didn’t materialize. Horn went on to win three more fights while suffering defeats against Michael Zerafa and Terence Crawford.
His most recent bout was a loss against Tim Tszyu. The current interim WBO super welterweight champion, nearly three years ago.
Ex-Welterweight champ Jeff Horn announces official retirement from boxing
Despite being offered a lucrative deal for a comeback fight against Zerafa, the 35-year-old Horn declined the opportunity.
“I could have taken $1 million for another fight. But my health is more important than wealth,” Jeff said on the sixth anniversary of the Pacquiao fight.
“To be honest, I’ve had my concerns. I’ve had some issues with my memory.
“I’ve had some tests done on my brain. And I was told if I kept going there was a high potential risk of things getting worse and my brain suffering more.”
Former WBO welterweight champ Jeff Horn has announced his retirement from boxing 🥊
He will now take up an ambassadorial role with Bullyproof Australia to help combat bullying in schools.
We wish him all the best in his fantastic new venture 👏🏼 #JeffHorn | #Boxing pic.twitter.com/6qSbrM3AXw
— IFL TV (@IFLTV) July 2, 2023
Jeff gained worldwide recognition when he achieved a remarkable victory over Filipino boxing legend Manny at the age of 29. His success in the ring was particularly inspiring considering his earlier struggles with bullying. Which led him to pursue a career in boxing.
Over the past few years, Horn has dedicated his time to speaking to students about the qualities needed to become a champion.
In his latest endeavor as an ambassador for Bullyproof Australia, Jeff will be actively involved in training both students and teachers in conflict management techniques. The initiative was sparked by the tragic loss of a friend’s 14-year-old daughter, who took her own life due to bullying.
With the same level of discipline, he utilized to become a world champion. Horn is determined to combat bullying and make a positive impact on the lives of young people across Australia.
Jeff Horn once beat Manny Pacquiao with controversial decision
#OnThisDay in 2017, Jeff Horn upset Manny Pacquiao in a highly controversial decision. pic.twitter.com/B2FUJY5mGo
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) July 1, 2023
Despite widespread disagreement with the unanimous decision that awarded Jeff the upset win over Manny in Australia. The underdog remained unfazed by the criticism.
The highly anticipated clash between international superstar Pacquiao and the relatively unknown Horn turned out to be a closer contest than anticipated. With many believing Manny should have emerged victorious after 12 rounds.
CompuBox statistics revealed that the 38-year-old Pacquiao landed significantly more punches and displayed a higher efficiency. With a success rate of 31.8 percent compared to Horn’s 14.7 percent.
However, the three judges had a contrasting perspectives, with two scoring the fight 115-113 in favor of the underdog, while one judge scored it 117-111.
What are your thoughts regarding this? Let us know in the comment section below.
