WBO champion Horn targets Vargas after Pacquiao withdrawal

BRISBANE - WBO welterweight champion Jeff Horn is eyeing a title defense against American Jesse Vargas after Manny Pacquiao's decision to postpone their planned rematch.

"I'm frustrated. I'm kind of annoyed that it's taken this long to make a decision but, look, that's boxing, I'm figuring out that now. That's what happens at the top of the game, guys mess around with you a lot," said Horn.

Pacquiao, a senator in the Philippines, has pulled out of his proposed November 12 bout with Australian Horn for the WBO welterweight title because of government duties.

Horn upset Pacquiao for the WBO welterweight title in a unanimous 12-round decision in Brisbane, Australia, on July 2.

The proposed rematch in Brisbane had been confirmed by both camps on Aug. 21. The fight was expected to be held at the same outdoor stadium in Brisbane where a hometown crowd of 51,000 saw Horn, a former schoolteacher, stun Pacquiao for the WBO welterweight belt.

Jesse Vargas, an American contender and former world title holder, could possibly take Pacquiao's place for a fight later this year against Horn, the promoters said.

"Yeah, [Jesse] Vargas is a fight that we'd definitely take. He's a tough competitor and he's been world champion, he's held my belt just before Pacquiao, so he'd definitely be a tough fight and worthy opponent," Horn explained. — Reuters