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Horn improved his unbeaten record 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 questioned the
outcome, saying the officials had made 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 their demand.
"WBO should take appropriate action on the letter sent by the
Games and Amusement Board (GAB) so as not to erode the people's
interest in boxing," eight-division world champion Pacquiao said
in a statement on Wednesday.
"On my part, I had already accepted the decision but as a leader
and, at the same time, 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 wanna 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.
"The discretion of a referee or judge cannot be reversed, except
in a case of fraud or violation of laws which is not the case in
Pac vs Horn," the organization said on their Twitter account.
"The contract for Pac vs Horn provides a rematch clause, which
the WBO is in accordance if the promoters decide to move
forward."
(Reporting by Aditi Prakash in Bengaluru)
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