DOT Says Pacquiao-Horn Rematch Happening In PH This December

Barely a few days have passed since the mayor of Brisbane announced that Manny Pacquiao-Jeff Horn was happening in his city in November. And here comes the Philippine’s Department of Tourism saying that the Pacquiao-Horn rematch will be held in the Philippines.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo shared the news during a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, as reported by ABS-CBN.

Pacquiao-Horn Rematch In December, Not November

According to Sec. Teo, the department already had a deal with Manny Pacquiao (MP) Productions about the event. The group is eyeing the Philippine Arena as the possible venue for the rematch.

In terms of the fight schedule, the secretary also revealed that they are looking at December 9, which incidentally is one week before Pacquiao’s birthday.

The secretary was also asked about an earlier announcement by Brisbane confirming the rematch in the Australian city. She responded by saying that the department already had reached an agreement with MP Productions, after meeting with the group, led by party list representative Eric Pineda, who also serves as business manager of the production company.

According to a Radyo Inquirer report, Tourism assistant secretary Ricky Alegre also shared that the next set of meetings are being coordinated with the camp of Horn.

Brisbane, Australia Or Philippines?

The news however remains unconfirmed by other sources, such as Pacquiao himself. On Monday, Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk announced that both boxers will be facing each other again in November. According to an ABS-CBN report, the mayor met with the promoters of the match assuring him that it was indeed happening.

The same venue used in the first match, Lang Park, will reportedly be used for the rematch. When Horn fought Pacquiao last month, around 50,000 spectators watched the live fight in open-air venue.

If the fight does happen at the Philippine Arena, it can accommodate more than 50,000 spectators, which is located just outside Metro Manila, in Bocaue town, Bulacan province.