Controversial loss unlikely to push Pacquiao into retirement

[July 12, 2017]  (Reuters) - Manny Pacquiao has hinted he will continue his boxing career despite having lost to Australia's Jeff Horn earlier this month via a controversial decision that angered fans and prompted the World Boxing Organization to review the Brisbane fight.

Horn stunned Pacquiao with an unanimous 12-round decision on July 2 that gave the former schoolteacher the WBO welterweight title.

There had been talk the 38-year-old Pacquiao might retire, but the eight-division world champion said on Wednesday his passion for the sport was still strong.

"I love this sport and until the passion is gone, I will continue to fight for God, my family, my fans and my country," Pacquiao said on his Twitter feed.

A rematch was written into the contract for the initial fight in the event Pacquiao lost and the pair are expected to face each other again later this year.

Pacquiao's defeat sparked fury among his fans, who labeled the 117-111, 115-113 and 115-113 scoring as a "hometown decision", and the Philippines Games and Amusements Board sent a letter to the WBO asking for a "thorough review" of the fight.

On Tuesday, the WBO said five independent judges had reviewed the bout and gave the decision to Horn by seven rounds to five..

Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines swings and misses during his loss to Jeff Horn of Australia. AAP/Dan Peled/via REUTERS

Pacquiao said in a statement to CNN Philippines late on Tuesday in reaction to the WBO's review that, in his opinion, it was clear who won.

"Let the people judge for themselves. People saw what happened," he said.

"We have seen worse judgments in the past where judges manipulated results.

"Nothing surprises me now."

(Reporting by Greg Stutchbury in Wellington; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

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