MANILA – Manny Pacquiao is going for one last push in his boxing career when he faces WBA welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse of Argentina today at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The world title match is a must-win for the 39-year-old Pacquiao – a victory will allow him to continue to fight while a defeat could end his illustrious career highlighted by world championships in eight different divisions.
Despite facing huge odds, the Filipino ring icon is confident that he has the tools to compete with the heavily favored Matthysse. He said he has his Argentine opponent figured out.
“It’s going to be a good fight,” said the fighting senator. “I don’t care if he has 36 knockouts under his name, it’s about your talent and skill inside the ring. Let’s see who will be the best.”
He added: “I am ready. I have never predicted the outcome of any of my fights but this training camp is special for many reasons. I am motivated. I am happy. I am hungry. I am excited to show the world a new Manny Pacquiao,” he added.
Matthysse, for his part, said that he will do everything inside the ring as not to depart with the world championship he won by beating Thai boxer Tewa Kiram earlier this year.
“(Pacquiao) is a great champion but he hasn’t faced the ‘great machine,’” Matthysse said. “If he decides to retire after this fight, that’s his decision. I’m here to defend my title.”
“I am not here to collect a pay check. I am here to bring back my title to my country and my people. I do not intend to give away my world championship just like that,” added the cocky Argentine fighter.
Pacquiao enters the match with a 59-7-2 win-loss-draw slate including 38 knockout victories while the 35-year-old Matthysse has a 39-4-0 record with 36 stoppage wins.
The Pacquiao-Matthysse clash will be shown (slightly delayed) starting 10 a.m. over ABS-CBN, GMA 7 and ESPN 5. A live blow-by-blow coverage of the bout will be heard over dzBB AM and Barangay LS FM starting 9 a.m./PN
