Manny Pacquiao knows nothing about Jeff Horn, his next opponent

Manny Pacquiao and Jeff Horn are set to lock horns in what is being built up as "the biggest bout in Australian history" but the Filipino legend, by his own admission, knows nothing about the Aussie welterweight.

Representatives of both fighters and the Queensland state government are currently working towards finalising the April 23 fight that will be staged at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Pacquiao is yet to sign the final contract even though Bob Arum, his agent, has come to an agreement with Duco Events, who repesent Horn.

"I don't know him. But that's what I heard from the news. But we're not finalising yet about that fight or any future fights, I didn't talk to Bob Arum yet about that," Pacquiao was quoted as saying by Fox Sports News.

Manny Pacquiao vs Jeff Horn: Pacquiao has never seen Horn in action...

When asked to comment on the notion that his career was going downhill, a dismissive Pacquiao said he could still go head-to-head against the best boxers in his division. "I'm still there. In my previous fights, many of them are saying they will stop me, they will knock me out. It's not happening. He (Horn) needs to prove that in the ring. I cannot say if he's ready because I didn't see his style, I haven't seen his face yet. I don't know."

In recent weeks, Horn, nicknamed 'the fighting schoolteacher' has taken several shots at Pacquiao, opining that the Filipino is no longer the fighter that defeated Oscar De La Hoya in 2008. While reminding the world that Pacquiao hadn't scored a knockout win since 2009, Horn suggested that he was the favourite entering April's bout.

“I’ve fought all over the world as an amateur and I’ve had a lot of fights against some top fighters as an amateur and pro. I’ve only had 17 fights and Pacquiao has had 67 but I think I’ve got the skills to win,’’ said Horn, while also reminding the world that Pacquiao has been defeated in three of his last eight bouts.

“It’s my time. I’m getting Pacquiao at the right moment. I know I have the power to hurt him. If I land a clean shot on Pacquiao when he’s coming forward I know I could hurt him. That’s what I’m hoping for to catch him as he rushes in," added Horn while addressing the rumoued match-up with Pacquiao, via The Courier Mail.

Manny Pacquiao (59-6-2) has suffered only six losses in his highly successful career but many analysts feel the 38-year-old hasn't recovered from his rotator cuff injury that derailed his chances against Floyd Mayweather a few years back. Despite battling through injuries and age, Pacquiao is the reigning WBO welterweight champion and won his only two bouts in 2016 against Timothy Bradley (Apr. 9) and Jessie Vargas (Nov. 5).