Jeff Horn set to fight Anthony Mundine?

Jeff Horn is reportedly considering an offer to fight Anthony Mundine after Manny Pacquiao backed out of a rematch with the Aussie.

According to News Corp, Mundine recently contacted Horn via text message to put his name in the ring to replace Pacquiao.

Horn’s promoter Dean Lonergan confirmed Mundine's interest.

“Obviously, Pacquiao was our priority,” Lonergan said.

“I find it surprising Anthony thinks he can get in a ring with Jeff Horn but it would be a nice tune-up fight for something bigger.

“We’re on the big stage now but Jeff’s got to keep fit and keep fighting and you never know in boxing.”

42-year-old Mundine says he's still up for the challenge.

“I’ve beaten all the old generation so I may as well move on to the next,” Mundine said.

“If Jeff wants to make some good money, he’ll need to fight me. Let’s do it."

Pacquiao on Sunday said he still wanted a rematch with Horn, but not in Australia.

"It will not push through there in Australia. But we are bringing the fight here in the Philippines," Pacquiao said on radio station DZBB, adding negotiations were ongoing.

"This will be good for our country's tourism."

Pacquiao, 38, had initially called for a rematch after losing his World Boxing Organisation welterweight title to the 29-year-old on points Horn in a major upset in Brisbane on July 2.

Pacquiao, who has won world titles in an unprecedented eight weight divisions, had demanded a review of the bout but the WBO declared Horn the clear winner after a panel of judges re-scored the fight.

Now in the twilight of a 22-year professional career, Pacquiao has not stopped an opponent in eight years and briefly quit boxing last year to pursue his long-held political ambitions and was elected senator.

But he quickly made a successful comeback against Jessie Vargas in November, saying he still felt like a youngster.

Pacquiao has defied calls to retire for good, including from his family and celebrated American trainer Freddie Roach.

Pacquiao dismissed funding concerns about hosting the multi-million dollar fight in the Philippines.

"We have lots of friends who are supporting us including our tourism (department). The president is giving his all-out support," Pacquiao said referring to his political ally Rodrigo Duterte.

with AFP