Pacquiao vs. Horn: Early Fight Predictions, PPV Schedule, Odds and Undercard

Manny Pacquiao will battle underdog Jeff Horn at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, as the pair compete in one of Australia's most anticipated boxing showpieces on Saturday, July 2.

The WBO Welterweight championship will be on the line after Horn was made No. 1 contender by the boxing organisation.

There is a huge gulf in class between the fighters, and if Horn gains a victory, it will be one of the greatest upsets in sporting history.

Here is how you can watch the bout:

Date: Saturday, July 2

Time: 4:30 a.m. BST/ 11:30 p.m. ET (Friday)

TV: BoxNation (UK only), ESPN (non-PPV in U.S. only)

Stream: WatchEPSN 

Odds: Pacquiao win: 3-20; Horn win: 17-4 (via OddsShark)

Undercard

• Shane Mosely Jr. vs. David Toussaint
• Michael Conlan vs. Jarrett Owen
• Jerwin Ancajas vs. Teiru Kinoshita

Preview 

John Pye/Associated Press

In a match dubbed the "Battle of Brisbane," Horn has the opportunity of a lifetime to beat a living legend on home soil in front of a partisan crowd.

Pacquiao, 38, defends his world crown against a boxer who is an unknown quantity outside of his own nation.

Pac Man has appeared sharp in his recent outings, and a fight against 29-year-old Horn is well within his capabilities, despite the obvious age difference.

According to Agence France-Presse (via Sky Sports), the Filipino superstar was confident as he landed on Aussie soil:

"In all my years of boxing, I have never been as motivated and fired up as this fight. My team is very happy with my preparation. I am looking forward to this and I will be going home as world champion. I'm so thankful for this great opportunity to be here in Australia and fight here, and the warm welcome of the people here. I think this is one of the biggest crowds that I'm going to fight to. I love the fans shouting and cheering for me, or for Horn. I like that, it's exciting."

"I consider him a tough opponent," Pacquiao added. "I never underestimate my opponent. He's undefeated, he's young. I like aggressive fighters."

The Hornet has won 16 of his 17 fights, with a solitary draw to his name, per AFP.

Prediction 

Isaac Brekken/Associated Press

Horn is a rising star in Australia, and with a stadium full of support to provide wind in his sails, he has a puncher's chance.

However, Pac Man will be aware of the cauldron he is stepping in to and will be looking for a quick and decisive victory against the younger man.

Pacquiao remains one of the elite fighters on the planet. It appeared he had lost his edge in recent times, but victories against Timothy Bradley Jr. and Jessie Vargas have given Pacquiao traction and momentum, and it is unlikely Horn can fashion a win—even in his own backyard.