93. From pathetic VICTIM to emphatic VICTORY ... The Jeff Horn Story.
This is A JOURNEY WITH BERNIE best!
Jeff Horn's journey from a timid, bullied teenager to an international lord of the boxing ring reads like the script of a feel-good Hollywood blockbuster. His unlikely transformation from a nervous, "nerdy little kid" into a World Boxing Welterweight Champion is legendary in Australian sport. On a winter's day in Brisbane in 2017 the man dubbed 'the baby-faced assassin' beat one of the greatest professional boxers of all time ... Manny Pacquiao ... who was the only boxer in history to have won 12 major world titles. However, on July 2, in what was hailed the 'Battle of Brisbane', Horn became his nemesis by winning a controversial point decision. It wasn't controversial at all, because as you will hear in this outstanding episode, 7 judges have declared Jeff Horn as clear winner. I was there. Jeff Horn won. Jeff will explain why it suits a sometimes corrupt industry to call it 'controversial' when the unexpected disrupts plans for future bigger paydays.
Jeff Horn's journey from a timid, bullied teenager to an international lord of the boxing ring reads like the script of a feel-good Hollywood blockbuster. His unlikely transformation from a nervous, "nerdy little kid" into a World Boxing Welterweight Champion is legendary in Australian sport. On a winter's day in Brisbane in 2017 the man dubbed 'the baby-faced assassin' beat one of the greatest professional boxers of all time ... Manny Pacquiao ... who was the only boxer in history to have won 12 major world titles. However, on July 2, in what was hailed the 'Battle of Brisbane', Horn became his nemesis by winning a controversial point decision. It wasn't controversial at all, because as you will hear in this outstanding episode, 7 judges have declared Jeff Horn as clear winner. I was there. Jeff Horn won. Jeff will explain why it suits a sometimes corrupt industry to call it 'controversial' when the unexpected disrupts plans for future bigger paydays.
The upset victory made “The Hornet” a household name in Australia and captured people’s imaginations. Here was a mild-mannered schoolteacher, a Clark Kent-type character, who had become superman in the ring.
At the time, Horn says, his new fame was hard to get used too. He couldn't go for a reflective walk in a rainforest without being recognised. "I just wanted to be a hermit and close myself in. I didn't like the constant barrage that I would get. Thank God, things have changed. I'm much more comfortable these days just being a dad. I'm just like everyone else. I don't feel like I'm different. I just had an extraordinary moment or two, but that is in the past now."
At the time, Horn says, his new fame was hard to get used too. He couldn't go for a reflective walk in a rainforest without being recognised. "I just wanted to be a hermit and close myself in. I didn't like the constant barrage that I would get. Thank God, things have changed. I'm much more comfortable these days just being a dad. I'm just like everyone else. I don't feel like I'm different. I just had an extraordinary moment or two, but that is in the past now."
What this episode will reveal is Jeff's incredible journey nearly didn't happen. There were dark days as a teenager where constant bullying had him sitting alone in his bedroom reflecting on how little value he could see in himself. In a frank admission, he even considered the ultimate escape from life. Maybe, it was the support of girlfriend Joanna, his wife to be, or maybe it was the day he stepped into a martial arts gym and met Geoff Rushton that brought light. Such pivotal moments are referred to in this absorbing chat, which includes the day Geoff Rushton painted the vision that became Jeff's pathway ... 'I can get you to the Olympics in 4 years and 4 years later, you will become World Champion'. Jeff accepted the journey.
With every incredible victory, there was always one thing that stood out about a post-fight Jeff Horn interview. In contrast to many egotistical pugilists of his industry, Jeff would frequently reference his love for Joanna and his growing family. It became synonymous with his branding. Jeff claims being a dad brings him unlimited happiness. Receiving his children's kisses and cuddles and reading bedtime stories is definitely his new knockout punch. The beauty of Jeff Horn is that his love for life and people now flows into schools where as an ambassador for Bullyproof Australia | Every Student, Every School, Everywhere!, Jeff coaches resilience and understanding. Of course, when Jeff teaches, students listen. Afterall, he is the living embodiment of a person who was a Victim and found a way to become Champion of the World and in a many people's eyes ... He still is!!
