Jeffrey Christopher Horn Jr. (born 4 February 1988) is an Australian former professional boxer who competed from 2013 to 2020. He held the WBO welterweight title from 2017 to 2018. As an amateur, he represented Australia at the 2012 Olympics, reaching the quarterfinals of the light-welterweight bracket.

Jeff Horn
Horn in 2017
Born (1988-02-04) 4 February 1988 (age 36)
Other names
  • The Hornet
  • The Fighting Schoolteacher[2]
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height5 ft 9 in (175 cm)[1]
Reach69+12 in (177 cm)[1]
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights24
Wins20
Wins by KO13
Losses3
Draws1
Medal record
Men's amateur boxing
Representing  Australia
Arafura Games
Gold medal – first place 2011 Darwin Light-welterweight

Amateur career

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As a relative latecomer to the sport, Horn won his first Australian title in 2009 and repeated the feat in 2011. He went on to win a silver medal at the Gee-Bee Tournament in Helsinki and compete at the 2011 AIBA World Boxing Championships in Baku where he lost to eventual champion Everton Lopes in the second round. In 2012, he picked up his third Australian title and first Oceania title to earn a spot at the London Olympics.

2012 London Olympics

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Results

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Men's light-welterweight (64 kg)[3]

  1. Round of 32 (first match): defeated Gilbert Choombe, Zambia (5)
  2. Round of 16 (second match): defeated Abderrazak Houya, Tunisia (11)
  3. Quarterfinals (third match): lost to Denys Berinchyk, Ukraine (21)

Professional career

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Early career

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Horn made his professional debut in Melbourne on 1 March 2013, winning by second-round technical knockout. In just his seventh pro bout he outpointed two-time world title challenger and former IBF #1 contender Naoufel Ben Rabah. On 27 April 2016, Horn faced former two-division world champion Randall Bailey. After dropping Bailey in the second round, Horn was knocked down in the third round. Horn won by TKO after Bailey refused to get up from his corner before round eight. On 21 October 2016, Horn fought Rico Mueller and defeated the German by TKO in round nine. After the fight, the WBO ranked him the #2 welterweight in the world. On 10 December 2016, Horn faced former IBO welterweight champion Ali Funeka, whom he stopped in the sixth round. With Top Rank promoter Bob Arum in attendance, his win set up a potential showdown with eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao.

Horn vs. Pacquiao

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Horn signed up to face WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao in Brisbane on 23 April 2017.[4] The announcement of the fight was met with relative surprise and disappointment due to Horn's limited exposure on the world stage, which led Pacquiao to comment "I don't know who Jeff Horn is". A tweet on 12 February by Pacquiao complicated negotiations when he said that he planned to fight in the United Arab Emirates. On 26 February, Pacquiao and Amir Khan announced that they had reached an agreement to fight, leaving Horn without an opponent. On 7 March the fight with Khan was called off and on 5 April a deal for the Pacquiao–Horn fight was reached. A press conference on 10 April signaled confirmation of the fight, which took place at Suncorp Stadium on 2 July 2017. Horn defeated Pacquiao via unanimous decision after 12 rounds.[5] CompuBox stats showed that Pacquiao landed 182 out of 573 punches thrown (32%), whilst Horn landed only 92 of 625 thrown (15%).[6][7] Many pundits, as well as many current and former boxers, believed Pacquiao had done enough to retain the WBO title.

Horn's win over Pacquiao was also criticized by some boxing analysts, sports journalists and fans alike, with some comparing the decision to that of the controversial Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley fight.[8][9] In regards to the controversial scorecards, ESPN's Dan Rafael scored the fight 117–111 and ESPN analyst Teddy Atlas scored it 116–111, both for Pacquiao.[10] The Guardian and the International Business Times both scored the fight in Pacquiao's favor as well, 117–111.[11][12] BoxingScene had it 116–112 for Pacquiao, while CBS Sports scored the fight 114–114 even.[13][14] BoxNation's Steve Bunce scored the fight 115–113 for Horn.[15] In total, 12 of 15 media outlets scored the bout for Pacquiao, 2 of 15 outlets ruled in favor of Horn and 1 scored a draw.[16]

Pacquiao claimed Horn got away with numerous dirty tactics in the fight, using illegal blows including elbows and headbutts.[17]

Rescore by WBO

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In response to a formal request by the Philippine Games and Amusements Board, the WBO agreed to review the fight between Pacquiao and Horn. It was scored round-by-round by five anonymous judges, but the WBO stated that they do not have the power to reverse the original result of the fight.[18] The WBO rescored the fight in favor of Horn winning seven rounds and Pacquiao winning five.[19]

First title defence

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Initially, Horn was to give Pacquiao a rematch, but the rematch was delayed and did not eventuate. As a result, Horn instead made a voluntary defence of the WBO title against Gary Corcoran on 13 December 2017. Corcoran's corner decided to throw in the towel in the eleventh round, thus Horn retained the title via TKO. Both fighters were cut during the fight, but Horn was leading on the scorecards at the time of the stoppage.

First loss

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Horn was challenged by Terence Crawford on 9 June 2018, for the WBO welterweight title. Crawford defeated Horn via technical knockout in the ninth round, becoming the new WBO welterweight champion.[20]

Middleweight

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Horn vs Mundine

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Horn moved up to middleweight after the loss to Crawford and faced Anthony Mundine on 30 November 2018. He defeated Mundine in just 96 seconds.[21]

Horn vs Zerafa

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Next, Horn faced Michael Zerafa on 31 August 2019 in Bendigo. For the second time in his career, Horn lost via technical knockout in the ninth round.[22]

Horn vs Zerafa II

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Horn however won the rematch on 18 December 2019 by majority decision to bring his record to 20–2–1.[23]

Horn vs Tszyu

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On 26 August 2020, Horn faced one of Australia's best up-and-coming fighters Tim Tszyu. Tszyu was ranked #5 by the WBO at super welterweight.[24] Tszyu dropped Horn twice, once in the third and once in the sixth round, and continued to dominate Horn until the end of the eighth round, when Horn's corner decided not to continue the fight.[25]

Retirement

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On 2 July 2023, Horn announced his retirement, so he could undertake his role as an ambassador for an anti-bullying foundation. He stated that he had passed up offers of $1 million to return to the ring after his August 2020 loss to Tim Tyszu.[26]

Personal life

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Horn lives in Brisbane and his father, Jeff Horn Sr., is a builder. Horn's mother, Liza Dykstra, works for the Saint Vincent de Paul Society. His grandfather, Ray Horn, fought in exhibition boxing matches in the Queensland outback during the 1930s.[2][27] His second cousin is Graham Quirk, the former Lord Mayor of Brisbane.[28][29]

Horn holds a Bachelor of Education degree from Griffith University and formerly worked as a physical education teacher for Pallara State School in Brisbane.[2][30]

His daughter was born in 2017.[31]

In his youth, Horn had been a victim of bullying and cited this as the reason he started boxing, initially as a means to defend himself.[29][30][32][33]

He is an ambassador for an Australian anti-bullying foundation, speaking at schools about conflict management.[26]

Awards and recognitions

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Professional boxing record

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24 fights 20 wins 3 losses
By knockout 13 3
By decision 7 0
Draws 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
24 Loss 20–3–1 Tim Tszyu TKO 8 (10), 3:00 26 Aug 2020 Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville, Australia For IBF Australasian and WBO Global junior-middleweight titles
23 Win 20–2–1 Michael Zerafa MD 10 18 Dec 2019 Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Australia Won WBO Oriental middleweight title
22 Loss 19–2–1 Michael Zerafa TKO 9 (10), 2:55 31 Aug 2019 Bendigo Stadium, Bendigo, Australia Lost WBO Oriental middleweight title;
For vacant IBF Asia Oceania middleweight title
21 Win 19–1–1 Anthony Mundine KO 1 (12), 1:36 30 Nov 2018 Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Australia Won WBO Oriental middleweight title
20 Loss 18–1–1 Terence Crawford TKO 9 (12), 2:33 9 Jun 2018 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, US Lost WBO welterweight title
19 Win 18–0–1 Gary Corcoran TKO 11 (12), 1:35 13 Dec 2017 Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Australia Retained WBO welterweight title
18 Win 17–0–1 Manny Pacquiao UD 12 2 Jul 2017 Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Australia Won WBO welterweight title
17 Win 16–0–1 Ali Funeka TKO 6 (10), 0:30 10 Dec 2016 Vector Arena, Auckland, New Zealand Retained WBO Inter-Continental welterweight title
16 Win 15–0–1 Rico Mueller TKO 9 (12), 2:19 21 Oct 2016 Sleeman Centre, Brisbane, Australia Retained IBF Inter-Continental welterweight title
15 Win 14–0–1 Randall Bailey RTD 7 (12), 3:00 27 Apr 2016 Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Australia Retained IBF Inter-Continental and WBO Oriental welterweight titles;
Won vacant WBO Inter-Continental welterweight title
14 Win 13–0–1 Ahmed El Mousaoui UD 10 5 Dec 2015 Claudelands Arena, Hamilton, New Zealand Retained IBF Inter-Continental and WBO Oriental welterweight titles
13 Win 12–0–1 Alfredo Rodolfo Blanco UD 10 15 Oct 2015 The Trusts Arena, Henderson, New Zealand Retained WBA Pan African, IBF Inter-Continental, WBO Oriental and PABA welterweight titles;
Won vacant WBA Oceania interim welterweight title
12 Win 11–0–1 Viktor Plotnikov TD 7 (10), 3:00 1 Aug 2015 Stadium Southland, Invercargill, New Zealand Retained WBA Pan African, WBO Oriental and PABA welterweight titles;
Won IBF Inter-Continental welterweight title;
Unanimous TD: Horn cut from an accidental head clash
11 Win 10–0–1 Richmond Djarbeng TKO 3 (12), 2:03 13 Jun 2015 Arena Manawatu, Palmerston North, New Zealand Retained WBO Oriental and PABA welterweight titles;
Won WBA Pan African welterweight title
10 Win 9–0–1 Robson Assis KO 5 (10) 6 Dec 2014 Claudelands Arena, Hamilton, New Zealand Retained WBO Oriental and PABA welterweight titles
9 Win 8–0–1 Fernando Ferreira da Silva UD 12 5 Jul 2014 Vodafone Events Centre, Manukau, New Zealand Retained WBO Oriental welterweight title;
Won vacant PABA welterweight title
8 Win 7–0–1 Rivan Cesaire TKO 9 (12), 1:44 19 Mar 2014 Jupiters Theatre, Gold Coast, Australia Won vacant WBO Oriental welterweight title
7 Win 6–0–1 Naoufel Ben Rabah UD 6 6 Dec 2013 Metro City Northbridge, Perth, Australia
6 Win 5–0–1 Aswin Cabuy TKO 2 (8), 0:31 16 Nov 2013 Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane, Australia
5 Win 4–0–1 Samuel Colomban KO 1 (10), 1:18 12 Sep 2013 Melbourne Pavilion, Melbourne, Australia Won vacant ANBF welterweight title
4 Draw 3–0–1 Rivan Cesaire TD 3 (8), 0:35 8 Aug 2013 Southport RSL Club, Gold Coast, Australia Unanimous TD: Cesaire cut from an accidental head clash
3 Win 3–0 Nuengsiam Kiatsongsang TKO 1 (4), 2:42 9 May 2013 Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane, Australia
2 Win 2–0 Torin Rophia KO 1 (6), 1:33 27 Apr 2013 Fortitude Stadium, Brisbane, Australia
1 Win 1–0 Jody Allen TKO 2 (4), 2:22 1 Mar 2013 Grand Star Receptions, Melbourne, Australia

References

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  1. ^ a b Top Rank Boxing on ESPN tale of the tape prior to the Terence Crawford fight.
  2. ^ a b c Dunlop, Greg (17 June 2017). "The schoolteacher about to fight Manny Pacquiao". BBC News. Sydney. Retrieved 18 June 2017.
  3. ^ "London 2012 60-64 kg men Olympic Boxing". International Olympic Committee. Retrieved 2 July 2017.
  4. ^ "Jeff Horn stuns Manny Pacquiao in WBO welterweight world title fight – as it happened". 2 July 2017. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  5. ^ "Jeff Horn beats Manny Pacquiao in 'Battle of Brisbane' to claim world welterweight title". ABC News. Sydney. 2 July 2017. Retrieved 2 July 2017.
  6. ^ "Jeff Horn Shocks Manny Pacquiao in Blood-Filled Upset! - Boxing News". Boxingscene.com. 2 July 2017. Retrieved 2 July 2017.
  7. ^ "Manny Pacquiao: Jeff Horn wins WBO welterweight title in Brisbane". BBC Sport. 2 July 2017. Retrieved 2 July 2017.
  8. ^ Adel, Rosette. "Sports personalities call Pacquiao-Horn decision 'robbery'". The Philippine Star. Philstar.
  9. ^ "Jeff Horn scores controversial decision upset of Manny Pacquiao, to take welterweight belt". USA Today.
  10. ^ "Horn takes Pacquiao's title in stunning upset". Retrieved 2 July 2017.
  11. ^ Gallo, D. J. (2 July 2017). "Jeff Horn stuns Pacquiao in WBO welterweight world title fight – as it happened". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2 July 2017.
  12. ^ "Manny Pacquiao vs. Jeff Horn: LIVE Round By Round Scorecard, Preview And Recap For Boxing Event". International Business Times. 1 July 2017. Retrieved 2 July 2017.
  13. ^ "Manny Pacquiao vs Jeff Horn scorecard - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. Retrieved 2 July 2017.
  14. ^ "Jeff Horn scores controversial upset of Manny Pacquiao via unanimous decision". CBSSports.com. Retrieved 2 July 2017.
  15. ^ "The Press Scores For Manny Pacquiao Vs Jeff Horn Tell You All You Need To Know". www.punditarena.com. 4 July 2017. Retrieved 1 August 2017.
  16. ^ "Jeff Horn defeats Manny Pacquiao". mmadecisions.com. 2 July 2014. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  17. ^ Otto, Tyson (3 July 2017). "Horn's 'dirty' tactics questioned". www.theaustralian.com.au. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
  18. ^ "WBO will rescore controversial Pacquiao vs. Horn fight but result won't change". CBS Sports. 7 July 2017.
  19. ^ "Manny Pacquiao Jeff Horn re-score results: WBO statement, scorecards from title fight review". Fox Sports. 11 July 2017. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  20. ^ Butterworth, Liam (10 June 2018). "Terence Crawford defeats Jeff Horn by TKO to clinch WBO welterweight boxing title". Australia: ABC. Retrieved 10 June 2018.
  21. ^ Christ, Scott (30 November 2018). "Jeff Horn knocks out Anthony Mundine in first round". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  22. ^ Donovan, Jake (31 August 2019). "Michael Zerafa Drops, Stops Jeff Horn In Nine Rounds". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  23. ^ Staff, BoxingScene (18 December 2019). "Jeff Horn Gets Sweet Revenge: Drops, Decisions Michael Zerafa". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  24. ^ "Horn vs Tszyu - News, Tape, Ringwalk, TV, Streaming & Tickets". Box.Live. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  25. ^ "Tim Tszyu drops Jeff Horn twice, forces eighth-round corner retirement". The Ring. 26 August 2020. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  26. ^ a b "Jeff Horn retires from the ring to focus on his 'biggest' fight yet". ABC News. 2 July 2023.
  27. ^ Kieza, Grantlee (29 June 2017). "How Jeff Horn's grandfather will inspire him in his bout with Manny Pacquiao". The Courier-Mail. Retrieved 10 July 2017.
  28. ^ Moore, Tony (27 June 2017). "Horn 'not looking for knockout' in Battle of Brisbane with Manny Pacquiao". Brisbane Times. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  29. ^ a b Dalton, Trent (28–29 January 2017). "A softly spoken high-school teacher inspires his students by being a brilliant boxer. Now he's fighting Manny Pacquiao". The Australian. No. The Weekend Australian Magazine. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  30. ^ a b Songalia, Ryan (7 December 2016). "Jeff Horn: Australian Contender, World's Toughest School Teacher". ringtv.com. The Ring. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  31. ^ "Boxer Jeff Horn and wife welcome baby girl Isabelle". The Courier-Mail. 31 December 2017. Retrieved 20 February 2018.
  32. ^ Moore, Tony (14 January 2017). "Women behind Brisbane' boxing hopeful tell how he fought against bullies". Brisbane Times. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  33. ^ "Jeff Horn, a former bullying victim, is targeted anew". ABS-CBN News. 3 July 2017. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  34. ^ "Jeff Horn takes out The Don Award after winning WBO title from Manny Pacquaio". ABC News. Sydney. 13 October 2017. Retrieved 13 October 2017.
  35. ^ "2017 Sport Awards". QSport website. Archived from the original on 25 February 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2017.
  36. ^ "Matildas and Kerr Australia's fan favourites at AIS awards". Australian Sports Commission website. Archived from the original on 13 December 2017. Retrieved 12 December 2017.
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Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Fred Tukes
Australian welterweight champion
12 September 2013 – January 2014
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Rivan Cesaire
Vacant
Title last held by
Samuel Colomban
WBO Oriental
welterweight champion

19 March 2014 – June 2016
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Alexandr Zhuravskiy
Vacant
Title last held by
Tewa Kiram
PABA welterweight champion
5 July 2014 – December 2015
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Tewa Kiram
Vacant
Title last held by
Richmond Djarbeng
WBA Pan African
welterweight champion

13 June 2015 – November 2015
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Paul Kamanga
Preceded by
Viktor Plotnikov
IBF Inter-Continental
welterweight champion

1 August 2015 – February 2017
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Tsiko Mulovhedzi
New title WBA Oceania
welterweight champion
Interim title

15 October 2015 – December 2015
Vacated
Title discontinued
Vacant
Title last held by
Sadam Ali
WBO Inter-Continental
welterweight champion

27 April 2016 – April 2017
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Gary Corcoran
Preceded by WBO Oriental
middleweight champion

30 November 2018 – 31 August 2019
Succeeded by
Preceded by
Michael Zerafa
WBO Oriental
middleweight champion

18 December 2019 – August 2020
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Issac Hardman
World boxing titles
Preceded by WBO welterweight champion
2 July 2017 – 9 June 2018
Succeeded by