Freddie Roach labels Jeff Horn as “nothing special”
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FREDDIE Roach has launched a verbal jab towards Jeff Horn.
The accomplished trainer, who is a seven-time recipient of the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) Trainer of the Year award, has made a harsh assessment of the undefeated Australian, who will attempt to wrestle the WBO welterweight championship from Manny Pacquiao in a matter of weeks.
In a recent interview with The Manila Times, Roach, 57, made a comparison between Horn (16-0-1, 11 KOs) and Pacquiao’s most recent opponent Jessie Vargas (27-2, 10 KOs), whom Pacquiao outscored with relative ease to earn his latest world title last November.
“Jeff Horn is far different and Jessie (Vargas) is a better fighter than him,” said Roach. “But I have only seen Horn for a couple of fights and nothing special.”
Horn, 29, is riding an impressive thirteen-fight win streak, which includes credible stoppage wins over former world champion Randall Bailey, former title challenger Ali Funeka and Rico Mueller in his last three outings.
Despite his run of form, many outside of Australia doubt the Brisbane-based Horn’s ability to match Pacquiao, who has consistently fought world class opposition for over a decade.
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Roach’s earlier sentiments were echoed by Pacquiao’s long-time strength and conditioning coach Justin Fortune, who has accompanied Pacquiao at his Philippines-based training camp alongside undefeated and world rated lightweight George Kambosos Jr, who is serving as Pacquiao’s main sparring partner.
Although Fortune’s words were skewed in favour of his fighter, the relocated Australian did acknowledge that Horn was in a good position.
“Jeff Horn might be tougher and stronger but overall Jessie Vargas is the better fighter. Jessie got more skills,” added Fortune. “If Jessie and Horn will fight, I guess Jessie will scratch him off.”
“He (Horn) is hungry and got nothing to lose,” he concluded. “One punch can change everything so I believe Manny won’t take him lightly.”
Photo: Getty Images
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