Jeff Horn stuns Manny Pacquiao in upset for the ages

Jeff Horn is the WBO welterweight champion of the world after a stunning victory against Manny Pacquiao in Brisbane | WATCH

Australia's Jeff Horn celebrates defeating Manny Pacquiao. Picture: AAP

Australian Jeff Horn has upset the odds and stunned Manny Pacquiao to take his WBO welterweight world title in a unanimous points decision.

The 11-time world champion entered the fight at Suncorp Stadium as a hot favourite but got more than he bargained for against the 29-year-old former schoolteacher.

Horn - unbeaten in his 17 previous professional fights - applied pressure by winning some of the early rounds and Pacquiao needed treatment during the 6th and 7th rounds for a cut on the top of his head that resulted from a clash of heads. Pacquiao then dominated the later rounds and had Horn wobbling at the end of the 9th. The judges scored the fight 117-111, 115-113 and 115-113.

Thank you for joining us for our live coverage, which has now ended. Here are today’s top stories -
• I’d have thrown in towel: Dad
• Australia’s own Cinderella man
• Global reach for Horn

HOW THE DAY UNFOLDED

6.30pm: Watch highlights

5.10pm: PM congratulates Horn

Congratulations @jeffhornboxer! Brisbane school teacher turned WBO Welterweight Champion. Against the odds & the pundits - what a win!

— Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) July 2, 2017

4pm: From the press conference

Jeff Horn now holding press conference. "I feel like I perform much better in front of a crowd. I am just wired that way."

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 2, 2017

Horn on 9th round: "My heart just kept me going. He got me with a couple of good shots in that round. I still felt good."

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 2, 2017

Trainer Glenn Rushton: "I could see this was going to be a war. It was going to be a test of spirit. Jeff was just a young lion." #PacHorn

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 2, 2017

3.50pm: The fight in pictures

The Battle of Brisbane

VIEW GALLERY

3.35pm: Face of a champ

The face of a world champion pic.twitter.com/ViCRKptdMS

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 2, 2017

3.27pm: Lennox’s verdict

What's done is done. Good overall fight. Horn showed up to fight. PAC looked good but not his best. #PacHorn Wait for the rematch!

— Lennox Lewis (@LennoxLewis) July 2, 2017

3.04pm: Will we do it all over again?

Asked whether he would like a rematch, Pacquiao said: “Absolutely.”

3.02pm: Horn calls out Mayweather

An emotional Horn called out Floyd Mayweather after the fight and credited the crowd for lifting him. He then revealed his wife Jo was pregnant and expecting their first child.

“I have just believed since I was very young that I could do this,” Horn said. Horn also said he would be happy to fight a rematch against Pacquiao “That’s fine. Bring it on,” he said.

2.56pm: Horn is champion

Amazing. Jeff Horn has won the fight. We have a new world champion. The judges scored it 117-111, 115-113, 115-113.

2.53pm: Pacquiao v Horn Round 12

Horn starts the round by coming straight at Pacquiao and pinning him on the ropes. This has been an amazing performance by the Queenslander no matter what the result. Horn lands an overhand right and the two fighters trade blows. Pacquiao finishes the round as the aggressor, coming forward in search of a knockout. It’s been a great. Could go either way.

Final Unofficial scorecard: Horn 10-10 Pacquiao (115-116)

2.49pm: Pacquiao v Horn Round 11

Horn walked into a right hand and Pacquiao followed it up with a solid left which seemed to shake the Australian. Horn is starting to get a bit lazy with his punches now but he continues to step forward, throwing volleys at Pacquiao. Both fighters are starting to show signs of fatigue. Pacquiao may have shaded that round.

Unofficial scorecard: Horn 9-10 Pacquiao (105-106)

No knockdown: Pacquiao is pushed to the floor by Jeff Horn at Suncorp Stadium. Picture Peter Wallis

2.45pm: Pacquiao v Horn Round 10

Horn looks to have recovered well between rounds and continues to make the pace. Midway through the round Horn begins to look tired. You have to give Horn credit. It’s been a brave performance. He hasn’t stopped coming at Pacquiao. If anything, Horn may have edged the round because he was the busier fighter although it was tight.

Unofficial scorecard: Horn 10-10 Pacquiao (96-96)

2.41pm: Pacquiao v Horn Round 9

Pacquiao lands another straight left on Horn but the Queenslander appears to take it well. Another Pacquiao flurry has Horn wobbling. He’s holding on now. Pacquiao lands a right and then a left. Horn is in all sorts here. Horn has been been cut over the right eye and is in massive trouble. Horn finishes the round by winking at Pacquiao but he is in serious difficulty.

The referee tells Horn’s corner ‘you’ve had enough - show me something in this round or its finished’.

Unofficial scorecard: Horn 9-10 Pacquiao (86-86)

2.37pm: Pacquiao v Horn Round 8

Pacquiao starts the round with vaseline all over his forehead to stop the bleeding from those two cuts. Pacquiao lands a good straight left to open the round then he grabs Horn in a head lock. Horn wears another straight left but for the large part has avoided Pacquiao’s best. Horn hits the canvas but it gets ruled a slip. Horn walks into another straight left late in the round. Pacquiao wins that one.

Unofficial scorecard: Horn 9-10 Pacquiao (77-76)

2.33pm: Pacquiao v Horn Round 7

This has been a confident performance from Horn so far. He hasn’t backed off and he has walked through Pacquio’s best shots while landing some of his own. Horn has been the more aggressive. He again catches Pacquiao with the straight right midway through the round. Again, he takes every chance to rough up the champion. Another cut has now been open on Pacquiao’s head The doctor has allowed the fight to go on but Pacquiao is a bloody mess and Horn is pouring on the pressure.

Unofficial scorecard: Horn 10-9 Pacquiao (68-66)

2.29pm: Pacquiao v Horn Round 6

Horn starts the round in good fashion, going to the body then catching Pacquiao with a solid uppercut. The referee is forced to stop the fight momentarily after a head clash opens a cut on Pacquiao’s forehead. There’s now blood streaming down Pacquiao’s face. Horn catches Pacquiao with a massive straight right which looks to shake the champion towards the end of the round.

Unofficial scorecard: Horn 10-9 Pacquiao (58-57)

Halfway through the fight and it is too close to call. Picture: AAP

2.23pm: Pacquiao v Horn Round 5

Horn remains the aggressor but he wears a couple of left hands midway through the round. Horn isn’t backing off. He’s taken Pacquiao’s best so far and shaken it off. Horn gets caught with another left at the end of round which looked to hurt him.

Unofficial scorecard: Horn 9-10 Pacquiao (48-48)

Australia's Jeff Horn (right) and Manny Pacquiao battle it out. Picture: AAP

2.19pm: Pacquiao v Horn Round 4

Horn slings Pacquiao to the ground. He clearly listened to Jeff Fenech’s pre-fight advice to rough up the champion. Good left uppercut from Horn stings Pacquiao. Horn has a little nick on his right cheek. Another tough round to score. Maybe Horn shaded it.

Unofficial scorecard: Horn 10-9 Pacquiao (39-38)

2.14pm: Pacquiao v Horn Round 3

Horn has started each round the aggressor. At the moment Pacquiao is shaking off his best shots. Horn has started at a frantic pace but Pacquiao is beginning to finds his range. Pacquiao landed some good shots at the end of the round. Tough round to call.

Unofficial scorecard: Horn 10-10 Pacquiao (29-29)

2.11pm: Pacquiao v Horn Round 2

Horn again not afraid to exchange with Pacquiao. There are no signs of nerves from the challenger early on. Pacquiao lands a sold left midway through the round but Horn shakes it off. Horn walks into another left as the round comes to a close. That round to the champ.

Unofficial scorecard: Horn 9-10 Pacquiao (19-19)

2.06pm: Pacquiao v Horn Round 1

Confident start for Horn. He came out fast and made the early running. Horn’s first real salvo prompted a smile from Pacquiao. Horn takes the round as he roughs up the champion.

Unofficial scorecard: Horn 10-9

2.03pm: Let’s get ready to rumble

Michael Buffer does his stuff as only he can. Huge roar for the ‘fighting pride of Australia’. Huge ovation for Horn. If anything, as big a cheer for Pacquiao. Fantastic from the crowd.

1.56pm: Here comes Manny

Thunderstruck. Wonderful atmosphere inside Suncorp. If Pacquiao was any more relaxed he’d be horizontal. AC/DC merges into Rocky’s Eye of the Tiger, of course.

Horn on his way to the ring. This place is going off

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 2, 2017

1.52pm: Horn enters the ring

AC/DC’s TNT is ringing around Suncorp before switching to White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army. Plenty of smoke, will we see some fireworks? Horn looks relaxed.

1.47pm: Here we go ...

Michael Buffer introduces the national anthems. Isaiah Firebrace belts out Advance Australia Fair as Horn goes through his final paces in the dressing room.

Over 50,000 wait for the main event at Suncorp Stadium. Picture: Peter Wallis

1.43pm: ‘I love you, be safe’

A quick word from Horn’s partner, Jo. She said: “I feel nervous, excited, anxious. We watched some TV [this morning], kept it the same as normal.” Her last words to him? “I love you, be safe and I’m so proud of you.”

1.40pm: The scene is set

Excited fans at Suncorp Stadium. Picture: Peter Wallis

1.35pm: Nearly there

The fighters are going through their final paces. Pacquiao goes through some light shadowboxing before gloving up. Horn patiently hops on the spot

Pacquiao, with a record of 59-6-2, 38 knockouts, is the overwhelming favourite but has not stopped an opponent since his 12th round TKO of Miguel Cotto in 2009. He has only fought twice since losing his superfight with Floyd Mayweather Jr in May 2015, beating Timothy Bradley Jr and Jessie Vargas.

1.25pm: Tale of the tape

1.20pm: Ancajas stops Kinoshita in the seventh

A brilliant body shot floors the Japanese challenger. He beats the count but his right eye is almost totally closed and the referee stops the fight. That means we are not far from Horn vs Pacquiao.

That's it. Filipino Jerwin Ancajas retained his title after the referee intervened to stop fight. He dropped Kinoshita with a right to body

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 2, 2017

1.15pm: More on that tape complaint

Ironic that Pacquiao camp would accuse Jeff Horn crew of disrespect given Manny has been late to events and spent time staring at his mobile

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 2, 2017

Apparently to Ben Damon after Freddie Roach watched Jeff Horn getting his hands strapped

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 2, 2017

1.05pm:

Four rounds in and Jerwin Ancajas is well on top. Hard to see this lasting 12, with Kinoshita’s vision affected by a closing right eye. Remember, of course, the main event is on after this fight.

Bit of a worry here for the Japanese challenger Kinoshita. He has a nasty cut over his right eye. Doctor has allowed bout to continue

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 2, 2017

12.45: Final fight

The IBF junior bantamweight title is on the line as Teiru Kinoshita of Japan takes on Filipino champion Jerwin Ancajas. The champ comes in to AC/DC’s Highway to Hell. Nice touch.

First world title fight of the night is up. Japan's Teiru Kinoshita and Filipino Jerwin Ancajas for the IBF junior bantamweight title.

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 2, 2017

12.33pm: Tape dramas

Horn’s trainer Glenn Rushton reveals the Pacquiao camp had issue with the colour of the tape used. They will instead use white tape. “He seemed rattled,” said Rushton of Pacquiao. “Which is surprising for someone of his experience.”

Earlier, Horn told Foxtel: “It’s the biggest day I’ve ever had. I’m ready to take that belt. I feel nice and calm. I think that’s my biggest strength, I can keep calm at moments like this.”

12.23pm: Conlan wins in round three

A left to the body has Owen in trouble and Conlan steps up to take advantage, Another left to the body staggers Owen and the Irishman unloads before the referee rightly steps in. Impressive performance in just his third bout.

Impressive win for Irishman Michael Conlon over Jarrett Owen. Conlon was punishing to the body. First loss of night for local fighter.

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 2, 2017

12.20pm: Conlan vs Owen rounds one and two

The Queenslander entered the ring donning a sombrero but its hats-off to Conlan, and the classy Irish fighter has dominated these first two rounds. He is the bigger fighter and his body shots are starting to pay off.

12.10pm: Young Irish prospect next up

Ireland’s Michael Conlan - who is helping UFC star Conor McGregor prepare for his clash with Floyd Mayweather Jr - is scheduled for his third professional bout against Queenslander Jarrett Owen.

11.55am: Toussaint beats Mosley Jr on split decision

A fantastic victory and the Canberra fighter remains unbeaten. He wins on split decision 77-76, 77-76, 75-77. The former electrician has a bright boxing future ahead of him.

Massive win for David Toussaint. Split decision over Shane Mosley Junior. 75-77, 77-76, 77-76

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 2, 2017

Australia's David Toussaint (left) beat Shane Mosley Jr in a split decision. Picture: AAP

11.52am: Mosley Jr vs Toussaint round eight

Mosley Jr might need a knockout here in the final round. The American is on the front foot but struggling to land. Toussaint is finishing the stronger as the pair go toe-to-toe. We go to the cards.

Good fight between David Toussaint and Shane Mosley Junior. Tough to call. The Australian did a good job against a name opponent

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 2, 2017

11.48am: Mosley Jr vs Toussaint round seven

Mosley Jr has never been into the seventh round before and is breathing heavily. He’s not finished yet, landing a big right as Toussaint tires up. Mosley takes round seven, but is it enough?

11.44am: Mosley Jr vs Toussaint rounds five, six

The pace slows in round five but Toussaint is having joy with his left but a right hand through the middle by Mosley is the standout punch. Toussaint stays in contention with two rounds to go. Commentator Danny Green has the Australian ahead on the cards.

11.35am: Mosley Jr vs Toussaint rounds three, four

Mosley picks it up in round four after a close round three. This is an eight-rounder, remember. Mosley is finding his rang and catching Toussaint with his right hand regularly. Mosley shrugs off a Toussaint reply but this fight is in the balance.

11.30am: Mosley Jr vs Toussaint round two

This is a fantastic start to the televised fights. Mosley looks to take control in round two but Toussaint catches the American with a left to the head followed by a short sharp right. He then rocks Mosley on the bell.

Good fight here between Toussaint and Mosley Jnr. Both landed some pretty big shots in that second round.

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 2, 2017

11.25am: Mosley Jr vs Toussaint round one

The first round of the first televised fight and southpaw Toussaint makes an impressive start, matching Mosley’s speed and catching him with a couple of powerful lefts to the body.

Manny Pacquiao has just come up on the big screen and the fans have gone off. Lots of Pacquiao supporters here I would suggest

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 2, 2017

11.20am: Shane Mosley Jr (USA) vs David Toussaint (ACT) - middleweight

First televised fixture of the day and it is the son of legendary Shane Mosley, who is taking on Canberran David Toussaint. And whatever happens here, the former electrician will forever remember the day he was introduced to the crowd by the legendary Michael Buffer.

Fight now going live into US on ESPN. Michael Buffer taken over ring duties. Next fight should be ripper.Rave reviews about David Toussaint

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 2, 2017

11.10am: ‘100 per cent condition’

A few words from the champion after arriving at Suncorp. He was speaking to Main Event.

“I’m excited. Preparation is fantastic. before we finished our training camp the team is very happy. We hit our goal of 100 per cent condition. There’s a lot of people supporting me. I’ll do my best. In front of more than 50,000 people it is going to be exciting. I love that””

This fella just popped into the dressing room. Fighting later on apparently #PacHorn pic.twitter.com/AUj7ZvFODj

— Paul D Gibson (@PaulieDGibson) July 2, 2017

11am: TV coverage under way

Barry Michael and Paul Kent are leading the pay-per-view coverage with Gerard Whateley.

Canberra boxer David Toussaint will take on Shane Mosley Jr in the first televised fight. Manny Pacquiao has also arrived at Suncorp Stadium as the stands slowly fill up. He has a huge entourage with him, as you’d expect.

Excited fans at Suncorp Stadium ahead of the big fight. Picture: Peter Wallis

10.51am: View from the other side

Outside Suncorp Stadium, fans line up for #PacHorn merchandise. Shirts, caps selling like hotcakes. | @dino_mars pic.twitter.com/1XUiR8yZLS

— The Philippine Star (@PhilippineStar) July 2, 2017

10.46am: Huge win for Hooper

Massive win for Damien 'Super' Hooper. Takes the WBO and IBF international titles with unanimous points win. 96-94, 96-94, 96-94

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 2, 2017

Hooper has now put himself back in contention for a world title shot. He just promised the crowd he would become a world champion. Nice

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 2, 2017

10.38am: Hooper needs a KO

Hooper and Salamov into last round. Been a great effort from the Australian. Think he needs a knockout to win though

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 2, 2017

10.25am: Hooper v Salamov

Damien Hooper doing pretty well so far. Fight against Salamov into the 6th round and the Australian is holding his own

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 2, 2017

Umar Salamov of Russia (right) takes on Damien Hooper. Picture: Peter Wallis

10.15am: Sweet victory for Brock Jarvis

Here’s an image of Brock Jarvis celebrating after his emotional win over Rasmanudin.

Australia's Brock Jarvis (left) celebrates defeating Rasmanudin of Indonesia (right). Picture: AAP

10.05am: Great view of The Cauldron

The Cauldron like we've never seen it before #PacHorn #battleofbrisbane pic.twitter.com/C6gBgsYlb8

— Quentin Hull (@QuentinHull) July 1, 2017

Plus, a lot of hype around this fighter. He is up at around 12pm AEST

Here's @mickconlan11's gear for tonight. Not long now. #theconlanrevolution #PacHorn pic.twitter.com/gVN59hEDNU

— Paul D Gibson (@PaulieDGibson) July 1, 2017

10am: Big moment for Olympian Hooper

The third fight of the morning will involve former Olympian Damien ‘Super’ Hooper. Like Jeff Horn, Hooper represented Australia at the 2012 London Olympics. He has won 12 of his 13 fights but faces a challenge in the form of Russian Umar Salamov. Salamov is unbeaten in 19 fights as a professional and is currently ranked 8th in the WBO light heavyweight division. This is a big fight for Hooper.

9.55am: Emotional win for Fenech’s fighter

That was short and sharp from Brock Jarvis. He dropped the Indonesian with a left hook to the body. He then dropped him twice more with a flurry of punches before the referee stepped in to stop the fight with 30 seconds left in the opening round. There are big expectations on Jarvis but he showed why with that performance. Emotional scenes after the fight. Jarvis stepped into the ring wearing a black armband into the fight in honour of Jeff Fenech’s mother, who passed away yesterday. Fenech choked back tears in the post-fight interview. “Brock trains hard...and I am so proud of him,” Fenech said. “I don’t want to say anything too crazy. He is improving all the time.”

9.50am: Looking good ...

9.46am: Young Aussie impresses

That was short and sharp. Jarvis made light work of the Indonesian in the opening round. Dropped him three times. Impressive stuff.

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 1, 2017

9.42am: Fight two - a legend in Brock’s corner

Next up is an intriguing bout. Young Aussie Brock Jarvis has legendary champion Jeff Fenech in his corner. He’s also the nephew of former NSW rugby league forward Pat Jarvis. Big things are expected of him in the bantamweight division. He will face Indonesian Rasmanudin.

Jeff Fenech in the white shirt giving instructions to youngster Brock Jarvis. Big things expected of his kid pic.twitter.com/HWkaXDMUWe

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 1, 2017

9.40am: Surpise win for Aussie in opener

Great start to the day for Australia as Victorian Brent Dames beats Filipino Jonel Dapidran - Manny Pacquiao’s cousin - on points. 58-56, 59-55, 58-56. Bit of a surprise. The few experts who are already here thought the Filipino did enough.

Brent Dames, left, on his way to victory against Jonel Dapidran in the first fight of the undercard..Picture: Peter Wallis

9.35am: A good omen ...

Great start to day for Australia. Aussie Brent Dames has beaten Pacquiao's cousin Jonel Dapidran in opening fight on pts 58-56,59-55,58-56

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 1, 2017

9.30am:

Last round about to begin in opening fight of day. Aussie Brent Dames needs a big round. Reckon the Filipino is ahead

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 1, 2017

9.25am: Fight times

9.40am Rasmanudin (IDN) vs Brock Jarvis (NSW) - bantamweight
10.10am Damien Hooper (NSW) vs Umar Salamov (RUS) - light heavyweight
11am Shane Mosley Jr (USA) vs David Toussaint (ACT) - middleweight
12pm Michael Conlan (IRE) vs Jarrett Owen (QLD) - featherweight
12.45pm Teiru Kinoshita (JPN) vs Jerwin Ancajas (PHL) - junior bantamweight
1.30pm Jeff Horn (QLD, Aus) vs Manny Pacquiao (PHL) - welterweight

9.12pm: First fight of the day

The first fight is underway at Suncorp Stadium. It’s between Filipino Jones Dapidran and Victorian Brent Dames. Dapidran Is the first cousin of Manny Pacquiao. Plenty of punches thrown in the opening round nothing of any significance landed.

Empty at moment but stands will be choc-a-block later. First fight is underway #PacHorn pic.twitter.com/Flh4X5PD7F

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 1, 2017

9.10am: Coming up

Pacquiao’s countryman Jerwin Ancajas will take on Japan’s Teiru Kinoshita in the main supporting bout for the IBF World Junior Bantamweight Title. Champion Ancajas (26-1-1) is fighting to impress American TV bosses but this will be his toughest test so far — Teiru Kinoshita (25-1-1) is rated but has never fought out of Japan before, losing his only previous crack ata world title to Zolani Tete in 2014.

Australian interest is provided in the form of Damien Hooper, who will take on undefeated 22-year-old Russian Umar Salamov, who has 14KOs from 19 fights. Hooper’s career stuttered with a 2014 defeat to Rob Powdrill and he faces an uphill task against one of the rising stars in the sport.

There are two other interesting fights to keep an eye on. Northern Irish featherweight Michael Conlan is rated as one of the big stars of the future and will fight for the third time professionally against Queenslander Jarrett Owen. You may recognise the name — he is good friends with UFC superstar and future Floyd Mayweather Jr opponent Conor McGregor.

Shane Mosley Jr, the son, of course, of the legendary ‘Sugar’ Shane Mosley, the four-time world champ is also on the card. Mosley Jr is slowly rebuilding his career after defeat in just his third fight and is now 10-1, seven by KO. He takes on undefeated David Toussaint of Canberra (10-0), who beat countryman Junior Talipeau last time out.

9.05am: Undercard under way

Brent Dames, fighting out of Dandedong in Victoria, is 5-3. He takes on Jonel Dapidran, 8-1.

First fight of the day is about to begin. It's Australian Brent Dames v Filipino Jones Dapidran. Junior welterweight division #PacHorn

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 1, 2017

9am: Not a bad seat ...

The view from the not-so-cheap seats #PacHorn pic.twitter.com/SJLlkT8Ong

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 1, 2017

8.55am: Coming up

The main event starts shortly after 1.30pm (AEST). The Australian’s Brent Read is ringside and will be providing round-by-round coverage and unnoficial scorecard.

Weigh-in over now @mickconlan11 can guzzle some applejuice and relax-24 hrs away from fight #LetsGetReadyToRumble pic.twitter.com/gWvyU6O4M9

— Michael Buffer (@Michael_Buffer) July 1, 2017

Before that, we have an absolutely cracking undercard to get through. The action starts shortly, with coverage on pay-per-view kicking off at 11am. One of boxing’s rising stars Michael Conlon (above) is one of the fighters to keep an eye on. We’ll have a full run through of the undercard shortly.

Brent Read 8.45am:

The Cauldron is ready to go for #PacHorn pic.twitter.com/vofdUAVqzz

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 1, 2017

8.35am: ‘I’ll put on a show’

The fight is part of a deal between Pacquiao and Top Rank promoter Bob Arum and ESPN. That, of course, is the reason the first bell will be going sometime after 1.30pm (AEST), to take advantage of the huge American Saturday night market.

“This is the time that I give back to the fans,”Pacquiao said, adding that he’d suggested “let’s do free TV for the fans,” to Top Rank promoter Bob Arum. “I have to give a good show for them,” he added. “This is it. I’m excited.”

Finishing touches to the ring ahead of the World Welterweight Title fight between Manny Pacquiao and Jeff Horn at Suncorp Stadium. Picture: AAP

8.25am: Just how big is this fight?

For the first time since 2005, a Pacquiao fight hasn’t been restricted to pay- per-view in America. Yesterday’s weigh-in was beamed live into America on television network ESPN, which will take the fight into more than 95 million homes this afternoon. The expectation is that more than 10 million of those will tune-in, giving Horn the opportunity to make a mark on the biggest stage in world sport.

Tonight. pic.twitter.com/IRAyF0ljXf

— ESPN (@espn) July 1, 2017

More than 50,000 tickets have been sold at Suncorp Stadium, and the fight is expected to set records for pay-per-view in Australia.

The fight can be purchased for $59.95 on Foxtel’s Main Event pay-per-view channel.

8am: The weigh-in

Both fighters made weight — Pacquiao clocked in at 66.1kg at Saturday morning’s weigh-in while Horn tipped the scales at 66.3kg. However, by the time the fighters step into the ring this afternoon Horn will have a big weight advantage and could balloon up past the 70kg mark.

Horn had his final training session on Friday evening. “He was brilliant, he was just like I want him to be; he was toey, he was just electric,” trainer Glenn Rushton said. “I know when he’s hitting the pads there’s just extra pop there in his punches. “I just felt the hunger. That’s what I look for.