Underdog Bettors Rejoice Over Controversial Pacquiao Upset

Posted on: July 3, 2017, 02:07h. 

Last updated on: July 3, 2017, 02:08h.

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Expertise: Commercial Gaming.

Sportsbooks didn’t think it was possible for Jeff Horn to upset Manny Pacquiao, but got stung by the boxer nicknamed “The Hornet,” when the challenger made those who bet on the long shot very happy.

The 29-year-old boxer won a controversial unanimous decision against the former champion, Saturday, in Brisbane, Australia.

He entered the fight at plus-475, while Pacquiao was a minus-650 favorite. With only 17 professional contests, many thought he was outmatched against the 38-year-old Filipino. The judges didn’t think so, with one scoring it 117-111 and the other two at 115-113.

Those who picked the Aussie weren’t complaining. Not only did many reap the rewards of the decision, they benefitted from a lucrative prop bet.

Those taking him winning by a decision got plus-850 odds.

Outrage at Result

Almost immediately after the outcome, people were expressing their indignation over the decision. Many took to social media to blast the judges and intimate the competition was fixed.

Former heavyweight champion, Lenox Lewis wrote on Twitter about his shock at the result.

“Wow! PAC loses by UD?” he tweeted. “One judge had it 117-111? Wasn’t the fight that I saw! This is what’s wrong with boxing. Horn was very game but I’m hard pressed to see how he could have won that fight by any stretch!”

ESPN analyst Teddy Atlas told Horn in the post-fight interview he thought he lost. Jason McIntyre of Fox Sports thought Pacquiao won and tweeted, “boxing is such a joke.”

The statistics seem to give credence to the anger. The challenger threw 625 punches and connected 92 times, while Pac-Man landed 182 of his 573 attempts.

There were those who said the network’s commentators were biased and almost openly rooting for the one-time champion. Former world champion Paul Malignaggi tweeted, “So watched it on mute. I watched it live in a bar without being able to hear commentary, turned out to be a blessing.”

To his credit, the loser did not refute the decision, saying, “He deserves it, no complaint.”

Pacquiao’s Future Uncertain

What this mean’s for his legacy and his future is unclear. His trainer, Freddie Roach said before Saturday night he would encourage his man to retire if he lost. Pacquiao, however, wasn’t so eager to hang up the gloves, telling Nine News Australia that he would be open to a rematch.

Horn, though, wants to face Floyd Mayweather. The champ came out of a two-year retirement for an Aug. 26 date with UFC’s Conor McGregor and has not indicated whether he will take on any others or call it quits again.

For Pac-Man, many have urged him to end his career. He had a 54-3-2 record, but he has lost four of his last nine fights.