Gold Coast lawyer Chris Hannay backed Jeff Horn from the start

CHRIS Hannay knew Jeff Horn “had something special” from the first time he met him, even if the critics disagreed.

MEET the Gold Coast lawyer who believed Jeff Horn could win.

Hannay Lawyers principal Chris Hannay knew the former schoolteacher had what it took to become the next WBO world champion as soon as he met the Brisbane boxer more than a year ago.

“They were saying: ‘How is this young schoolteacher with a soft voice going to fight a street animal like Manny (Pacquaio)?’ And I said: ‘Just wait and see ...’.” Picture: Jerad Williams.

“I knew he had something special as soon as he came into the office,” Mr Hannay said.

“Just his demeanour, professionalism and vulnerability. He was honest and transparent and had all those qualities of a good young bloke that are hard to get in a boxer.”

The Southport law firm boss said he “copped it” from the unbelievers when the firm signed up to sponsor Horn.

Jeff Horn. Picture: Supplied.

“People said to us: ‘Who is this kid?’,” Mr Hannay said.

“They were saying: ‘How is this young schoolteacher with a soft voice going to fight a street animal like Manny (Pacquaio)?’.

“And I said: ‘Just wait and see ...’.”

Chris Hannay, Horn's strength and conditioning coach Dundee Kim and Jeff Horn. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Hannay’s son Daniel Hannay met Horn through his own interest in boxing.

Also a director of the firm, Daniel spends time in the ring himself and has encouraged others in the legal profession to give the sport a go.

“Daniel has been involved with trying to get lawyers barristers to the gym to train,” Mr Hannay said.

Hannay Lawyers principal Chris Hannay knew the former schoolteacher had what it took to become the next WBO world champion as soon as he met the Brisbane boxer more than a year ago. Picture: Jerad Williams.

“In this profession there can be a lot of mental health issues, stress and anxiety and boxing can help to take those stresses away in a disciplined way.

“It’s an extremely technical sport and it’s been great for our colleagues and a lot of young guys that have come through court to get some discipline back.”

Shaun Hannay, Chris Hannay, Jeff Horn and Daniel Hannay. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Hannay also put cold water on claims Horn didn’t deserve to win the fight.

“He was a bloke that had a dream and he had such a positive attitude about achieving that dream. He so much foresight. It just amazes me and it amazes a lot of people,” he said.

“At the end of the day he has won. Whatever people say it’s not going to change that.

“As supporters of his and sponsors of him we are so proud of him what he’s achieved.”