Manny Pacquiao and his team have been branded arrogant after signing up to defend the WBO world welterweight title against Australia's Jeff Horn in Brisbane on July 2.
Horn, a 29-year-old former school teacher who reached the quarterfinal of the 2012 London Olympics said: "Pacquiao and his managers sound a bit confident and cocky.
"It's like 'we will just take this fight, come to Brisbane, knock over Jeff Horn, make their millions and go do the [Amir] Khan fight. I hope he keeps feeling that way."
Finalising lengthy negotiations over the bout appears a mere formality and Horn (16-0-1-KO11) is already reaping motivation from feeling underrated by the legendary Filipino (59-6-2-KO38).
Pacquiao, now 38, had seemed set to bypass Horn and face former gym-mate Khan in the UAE at one stage but even before the champion's talks with the Bolton fighter fell through, Horn was focused on his own preparations.
He added: "It has been frustrating but I knew how big this fight would be if we actually landed it. So I had to be patient, keep training and battling along so I could get that potential shot. The Middle East fight [against Khan] was heartbreaking at the time [it was mooted] but now it is finally here I am so excited.
"Amir Khan is a big name even though he has been knocked out so many times. But this is my chance to make a name for myself."
Pacquiao v Horn will take place at the 52,500-capacity Suncorp Stadium in Horn's hometown of Brisbane.
