Confirmation from the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) that Australian Jeff Horn won his welterweight title bout against Manny Pacquiao has prompted a curt response from the Filipino legend, and a hint that a rematch will be scheduled later this year.
"Let the people judge for themselves. People saw what happened," Pacquiao said in a statement, CNN Philippines reports.
"We have seen worse judgements in the past where judges manipulated results. Nothing surprises me now."
Pacquiao relinquished his WBO welterweight championship title when underdog Horn was awarded a unanimous decision victory at the 'Battle of Brisbane' fight on July 2.
A Filipino government department demanded the fight be re-scored, however, the results again fell in favour of Horn, with five anonymous judges determining he won seven of the 12 rounds.
In a post to Twitter on Wednesday, Pacquiao said: "I love this sport and until the passion is gone, I will continue to fight for God, my family, my fans and my country."
The 38-year-old's comments dampen pre-fight talk from trainer Freddie Roach that Pacquaio will soon retire.
Meanwhile, Horn welcomed the WBO review news at Brisbane Airport on Tuesday before boarding a plane to attend this week's ESPY Awards in Los Angeles, where he'll face a number of naysayers.
"It gives me evidence behind me that I can just use now. Instead of saying I think I won the fight, now a heap of other people -- professionally -- think I won the fight," Horn said.
But speculation has extended beyond Horn and Pacquiao's performance, with Filipino Games and Amusements Board chairman Abraham "Baham" Mitra issuing a statement with reference to American referee Mark Nelson.
"We are grateful that WBO acted promptly on our request but no matter what review they do it will be hard to change the result as the referee didn't call it close," Mitra said.
Photo by: Getty Images (Manny Pacquiao felt he had the better of his title fight against Jeff Horn in Brisbane but the judges ruled otherwise).