Not even the ‘defection’ of a compatriot to Manny Pacquiao’s camp has messed up the preparations of unbeaten challenger Jeff Horn, who is bracing for the biggest battle of his life on July 2 at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
Word-rated lightweight George Kambosos was imported from Sydney to General Santos City to lend a hand to Pacquiao’s buildup under Freddie Roach, who likens him to Horn but is a much better version.
However, Horn’s chief trainer Glenn Rushton is not alarmed, implying to the Courier Mail that Kambosos is not in Horn’s class.
“Manny has been sparring (with) George Kambosos but Kambosos is nothing like Jeff and Manny will find that out in round one,” Rushton said over the weekend with three weeks remaining before the world welterweight title fight.
As he enters the final two weeks of intense training, Horn is being pushed to the limit by Czar Amonsot, his chief sparmate originally from Cebu City.
Rushton knows what is down the road but the cornerman is upbeat about their chances of scoring an upset.
“I believe Jeff will be the toughest fight of Manny’s career. Manny has an incredible reputation and enormous experience but he can’t beat Jeff with reputation and he can’t him with experience,” Rushton philosophized.
Still, Rushton isn’t 100 percent certain that the title will change hands.
“When the bell goes it will be two well-conditioned fighters in the ring and the one who has prepared best will win,” he added.
Pacquiao, the huge favorite to hand Horn his first loss in 17 fights, is also neck-deep in training after relocating from Manila a week ago.
Team Pacquiao, made up of family members, training and Senate staff, fans and followers, will leave on June 24 on board a chartered Air Asia flight for the seven-hour and ten minute trip to Brisbane.
