Pacquiao urges WBO to review world title defeat to Horn

Filipino boxing great Manny Pacquiao, who lost his welterweight world title to Jeff Horn, has urged the World Boxing Organisation to act on a request by Philippine sports officials for a review of his defeat, saying he doesn't want to see the boxing industry "dying because of unfair decision and officiating".

Opposite to the expectations, Horn gave a tough fight to Pacquiao throughout the 12 rounds at the Brisbane's Lang Park on Sunday and was eventually declared winner in unanimous points-decision despite the Filipino boxer landing much more punches during the bout.

Horn came out with a spectacular performance in the final round as he threw some big shots at Pacquiao, knowing that he needed to clinch the round to win the fight against eight-division world champion.

The final scoreboard read 117-111, 115-113 and 115-113 in favour of Horn. The boxer-politician had accepted the judges' decision at the time and said he was keen for a rematch as soon as possible.

While Pacquiao accepted his defeat, the Philippine senator has said that as a leader and boxer, he has "the moral obligation to uphold sportsmanship, truth and fairness in the eyes of the public", reports the Guardian.

The 38-year-old cited a request by the Philippines' Games and Amusements Board to Francisco Valcarcel, WBO president, for a review of the refereeing and judging of the match.