Jeff Horn snubs ‘disrespectful’ comments against him, dedicates win to bullied kids

Comments about the Battle of Brisbane’s unanimous point decision continue to flood social media. Fans are saying that Manny Pacquiao was “robbed” of the title, and Jeff Horn was described as a “dirty fighter.” But Horn does not care about the criticism following his win over the 11-time world champion.

“There will always be the naysayers saying I didn't win the fight, but I felt like I won the fight," Horn said on Monday, according to ABC. He recognised that everyone can express his or her own opinion, adding that he may have more fans now.

Horn was a victim of bullying at school before he decided to try boxing in his teenage years, Sporting News reports. He was targeted anew following his win at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.

The Brisbane-based fighter dedicated his win to bullied kids. “To all the kids out there in schools, this is a win for all you guys out there being bullied,” he said.

Several boxing fans targeted Horn and even his wife on social media following the former’s victory. The former teacher was described as an “idiot boxer” and a “disgrace to the boxing industry.” One netizen wrote Horn must feel like a “fraud.”

Some accused him of utilising "illegal tactics," a reference to the accidental head butts that opened up two gashes on his opponent’s head. Not even his wife, Joanna, was spared, with one commenter saying he hopes that Horn’s spouse dies.

Critics argued that the result was a “robbery” and questioned the integrity of the sport. Glenn Rushton, Horn's trainer, said many of the comments the Aussie boxer received were "disrespectful" and argued Horn had proven capable of fighting against the world's best.

Pacquiao, on the other hand, previously said he has to respect the decision. He later told a news channel in the Philippines that he was confident he was the real winner.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Pacquiao thanked his fans for their support and for believing he won the fight. There are reports that a government department in the Philippines wanted the WBO to launch an inquiry into the Battle of Brisbane’s outcome.

In a ringside interview after the fight, Horn revealed that his wife was pregnant. According to him, his win was not yet the best moment of his life, because that moment is yet to come with the couple welcoming their first child.

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