Jeff Horn: Boxing legend reveals ‘the magic’ that keeps him going

In the wake of Australia’s Olympic boxing success, legend Jeff Horn ponders his return to the ring, and reveals ‘the magic’ that keeps him going.

Jeff Horn is a fighter with a big heart and Australia loves him with a passion.

His incredible victory over World Boxing Organisation welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao took place back in 2017, but it’s still talked about in sporting circles and backyard barbecues across the country.

Magician Jeff Horn. Pic Annette Dew

He has no immediate plans to re-enter the ring but then again, he’s not ruling it out either.

“I’m just focused on spending time with my wife and kids, and promoting a boxing and self-defence pilot program that’s active in a lot of Queensland schools,” he says.

Jeff is also focusing on his other passion – making magic.

He’s not quite David Copperfield level, but all the same there’s nothing he likes more than sharing magic tricks with friends and family.

Jeff Horn and Manny Pacquiao fight at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane in 2017 in the bout that made Horn famous. Picture: Peter Wallis

“I’m just a big kid at heart,” says Jeff.

“I love magic and I love doing tricks.

“When I’m at home I practise on the kids and my wife Jo. She thinks I’m amazing and always wants to know how I do it.”

Jeff Horn vs Tim Tszyu, at Queensland Country Bank Stadium was one of Australia’s best sporting events in 2020. Picture: Matt Taylor/Townsville Bulletin.

Jeff was inspired by his uncle Russell to learn the craft of performing magic tricks and is currently focused on a couple of very special ones.

“I’m not a really good magician,” he says.

“But I have set tricks that are very impressive when you do see them. I know a few good card tricks. There’s one with a ring and chain that hooks together, and a spectator’s coin appearing in a tied up container.”

Horn celebrates his victory over Pacquiao at Suncorp Stadium. Picture: Peter Wallis

Who: Former world boxing champion and Australian Martial Arts Youth Development Alliance (AMAYDA) ambassador Jeff Horn.

Where: A double-storey brick home in Brisbane’s south with a swimming pool, with wife Jo and daughters Isabelle, three, and Charlotte, two, and Lexi, the seven-year-old staffy.

Favourite thing: I love my lounge room. There’s a massive 82 inch TV. I spend lots of time in there and it’s where we hang out as a family.

Inspiration: Go with the flow. Really chilled.

Home is: Where the magic happens.

Jeff Horn with his cupboards of games. Picture: Annette Dew

BOXING LEGEND JEFF HORN’S FAVOURITE THINGS

Chocolate

I basically always have a block of chocolate around the house just in case I get a sugar craving. That actually happens quite a lot.

Around the house chocolate.

Table tennis racket

I have a table tennis table and enjoy inviting my friends over. I am super competitive. I’m not the best at it and I have some improving to do.

Anyone for (table) tennis?

Board game

I love board games and this is one of my favourites. I can play this one for a long time though. It’s hard to explain how to play it. It’s quite a childish game.

Jeff Horn loves his board games.

Boxing gloves

I have a few of these around the house. Fight gloves remind me of the fights I have been in. Some of them have the names etched into them too.

Boxing glove memento.

Hair product

I use this product everyday when I wake up in the morning. It washes out so easily. This particular one I have used for about five years at least. My aunt put me on to it.

Good hair everyday.

World title belt

Sitting in a cupboard where I can always see it, is this reminder of an incredible time in my life – the fight at Suncorp Stadium in 2017 against Manny Pacquiao. It reminds me of all the hard work I have done.

Horn’s world title belt.

Olympic jacket

I put this green and gold jacket on sometimes. The Olympic Games were a great time for me in 2012. When we got given the big bag of Australian gear the gold jacket was like what I wanted to wear all the time. It’s so cool.

Olympic vibes.

Playing cards

I love playing poker. In fact, I spend plenty of hours doing it.

Personalised playing cards.

At least once a week I try and get a game in. I get my mates over and we play.