Manny Pacquiao has backed a call asking the World Boxing Organization to review the controversial points decision that saw Australia's Jeff Horn capture the Filipino great's welterweight world title last Sunday in Brisbane.

Horn improved to 17-0-1 after the judges scored the bout 117-111, 115-113 and 115-113 in the 29-year-old's favor, but many observers branded the outcome a "hometown decision".

While Horn dismissed criticism of his win, the regulatory body of professional sport in the Philippines, the Games and Amusement Board (GAB), requested a "thorough review" of the fight on Monday, and Pacquiao has backed its demand.

"The WBO should take appropriate action on the letter sent by the Games and Amusement Board so as not to erode the people's interest in boxing," eight-division world champion Pacquiao said in a statement.

"On my part, I had already accepted the decision, but as a leader and, at the same time, a fighter, I have the moral obligation to uphold sportsmanship, truth and fairness in the eyes of the public.

"I love boxing and I don't want to see it dying because of an unfair decision and officiating."

On Tuesday, the WBO said that the decision could not be reversed and highlighted the rematch clause in both fighters' contracts.

Reuters

(China Daily 07/07/2017 page23)