Dubai: Filipino fight fans in Dubai feared Manny Pacquiao’s defeat to Jeff Horn on Sunday could be the last they saw of their icon in the ring.
Russel Alfornon, 40, a personal trainer based in DIFC, said: “I’m hoping and praying that there is still one more fight left in him — a rematch with Horn — but to be honest I think this was the last one.
“Of course, I’m upset, but the judges got it right, Pacquiao underestimated Horn and Horn was hungrier. Horn deserved to win because he was everywhere in the ring, whereas after the seventh round Manny looked like he was out of gas.”
Charlie Arreza, 37, a CCTV installer from Deira, disagreed with Russel on the judges’ decision but agreed the end was near.
“The judges were in favour of Horn. At best it should have been a split decision but not unanimous, that was unfair. I want to see a rematch just for Manny to end on a win, but if there’s no rematch with Horn he should retire now.”
Felipe Despares, 33, who works in admin for a chemical company in Jebel Ali, didn’t even want to see rematch however.
“That was rubbish. It was a clear win for Manny. He’s mentioned a rematch but I don’t think it will happen.
“He should retire now. He doesn’t have the same power as before. He landed really good shots to the face of Horn but was unable to get a knockout. He also has nothing left to prove.
“He’s now been robbed twice in his career, first in the first fight against Timothy Bradley and now this, but for me this is the worst.”
