Jeff Horn talks Ali Funeka test, potential fight with Kris George

JEFF Horn has every reason to gloat about the position he currently finds himself in.

After a spectacular two-year campaign fought primarily away from home, the Brisbane-based welterweight is now within reaching distance of a mandatory position by both the IBF and WBO.

In spite of all his success, Australia’s Fighter of the Year in 2015 speaks with a humility unlike many that have come before him.

Horn, 28, will defend his WBO Inter-Continental welterweight strap for the first time against towering former world title challenger Ali Funeka (39-5-3, 31 KOs) as part of the historic Joseph Parker vs. Andy Ruiz card on Saturday night at the Vector Arena in Auckland, New Zealand.

Most fighters who find themselves in the same position as Horn typically spend extended stints on the sidelines waiting for an opportunity. However, Horn refuses to rest on his laurels, taking on yet another imposing challenge in the form of Funeka, who has all the attributes to cause a potential upset.

But as Horn confirmed, these are the challenges he will continue to seek, as he looks to add another high-profile scalp to his revered list of victims.

“It’s the type of fight that I need to become the number one contender,” said Horn in an interview with Aus-Boxing.

“I have fought all kinds of fighters so far in my career. Ahmed El Mousaoui was a great boxer, Randall Bailey was a big puncher and now I have to fight a tall fighter with great range who is very experienced and capable of an upset.”

“I could’ve had four strenuous fights this year if my throat injury did not set me back. This fight is a very quick turnaround, but I’m fine with it because I came out of that last fight injury free.”

“I have carried my fitness across from that camp into this one – so I will be able to punch out a solid ten rounds – if Ali Funeka can handle it.”

The prospect of fighting on such an eagerly anticipated card with a broad global reach excites Horn, who sees his regional title defence against Funeka as an opportunity to impress some of the sport’s key influencers.

“This is a big card and it will be shown in roughly 100 countries,” he quipped.

“This motivates me because if I can impressively beat Funeka – who is currently rated WBO #8 – I could potentially land myself in a mandatory position to challenge Manny Pacquiao. Bob Arum and Bruce Trampler will be watching my fight with interest seeing as I could become Pacquiao’s mandatory.”

It was announced earlier in the week by Horn’s promoter Duco Events that the promotional firm had signed a co-promotional agreement with Top Rank, who are arguably the biggest promotional entity in the sport. While Horn is still contracted to his New Zealand-based promoter, Top Rank will hold the promotional rights pertaining to Horn fighting in the US.

Although no future dates have been committed to, it appears likely that Horn (15-0-1, 10 KOs) will feature on a high-profile American card in the near future, potentially closing the door on a domestic blockbuster with recently crowned Commonwealth welterweight champion Kris George.

When asked about his thoughts on George and his team rallying for a fight, Horn was surprisingly accepting of George’s intentions, admitting that he would do the same thing if the roles were reversed.

“I was once in his position and I would be doing the same thing as him,” he concluded. “It’s all about who you are willing to call out and back it up.”

“Maybe one day in the not too distant future the fight will make sense for me.”

Photo: Provided