Controversial unanimous decision sees Horn stun Pacquiao
In one of the most stunning upsets in modern boxing history, Jeff Horn defeated Manny Pacquiao via unanimous decision to capture the WBO welterweight title.
The three judges scored the fight 117-111, 115-113, 115-113, respectively, in a controversial decision, with Pacquiao appearing to win several rounds.
Horn improved to 17-0-1 with the victory, while Pacquiao dropped to 59-7-2.
Jeff Horn: Landed 92 punches (73 of them power punches); Manny Pacquiao: Landed 182 total punches (per @CompuBox) #PacquiaoHorn
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 2, 2017
In a bout dubbed the "Battle of Brisbane," Pacquiao and Horn established a frenetic pace from the outset, with both fighters trying to land massive blows through the early stanzas of the contest. Horn won the first round, but the fight was paused momentarily when his mouthguard was dislodged.
Pacquiao dropped Horn to the ground in the eighth round with a quick jab, but the Australian promptly returned to his feet.
Horn survived Pacquiao's onslaught despite noticeably bleeding throughout the fight.
When the decision was announced, the hometown crowd roared audaciously, with many analysts believing Pacquiao would emerge victorious.