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Jeff Horn enters this afternoon's WBO welterweight bout with Manny Pacquiao in Brisbane as the underdog but his preparation has left his camp confident he can cause an upset.
A crowd of more than 50,000 at Lang Park will be on hand for the unbeaten Australian's title shot against Pacquiao for the WBO welterweight crown.
Pacquiao, regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time, is the clear favourite but Horn's trainer Glenn Rushton believes his charge can produce an upset over the Filipino, who is out to prove he is still at the peak of his powers at 38.
Horn may not be as quick as Pacquiao but he is bigger and younger, and according to Rushton, perfectly prepared for whatever sort of fight comes his way.
"We'll work the entire target area. If people think he's just going to throw the right hand and try to land like Jessie [Vargas] did, ain't gonna happen," Rushton said on Saturday.
"Jeff can KO with any punch. We don't need a KO but we want it. We can work head, we can work body, long range, close range, mid range.
"He's a very all-round fighter. We're not a one-trick pony."
The suggestion Horn can cause an upset has been met by a mixed response from retired and active boxers.
Former three-time world champion Anthony Mundine is unsure about Horn's style, describing the 29-year-old as an "awkward fighter".
"He has got some power but I don't really go much on his skill," he said.
"On paper, you would think Manny has it all day. But anything can happen in boxing."
Horn's preparation 'worrying'
Another former world champion, Jeff Fenech, feels Horn will need to have luck on his side to beat Pacquiao.
"I just believe [Horn] has to fight a perfect fight to win," he said.
"I pray to God that he can do something but it's going to be very, very difficult. He's one of these kids who's a freak. I'd love to think he's had a great preparation but seeing what I've seen ... it's worrying."
But New Zealand's WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker is confident Horn can win.
"I give [Horn] a big chance," he said.
"I think a lot of people are underestimating him but I know his ability and I know what he can do. I love how he fights. He's elusive.
"Manny is a legend and I've got a lot of respect for him but I'm here to support my boy and I know he can do it."
The bout is set to begin at 1.30pm (AEST) after a six-fight undercard.
AAP
Topics: boxing, sport, brisbane-4000