Lucas Matthysse: ‘Pacquiao’s still a great fighter’

Lucas Matthysse

ARGENTINA’S Lucas Matthysse speaks from his press conference in the Philippines ahead of his fight against Filipino icon Manny Pacquiaoย on July 15 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

“Iโ€™m excited and happy for the opportunity to fight Manny Pacquiao. Itโ€™s an honour. But itโ€™s also a risk because itโ€™s the first defence of my title. More than anything though, Iโ€™m excited and honoured.โ€

lucas matthysse

โ€œIโ€™ve faced a lot of tough opponents, but not with his [Pacquiaoโ€™s] style. Iโ€™ve faced a lot of southpaws including Zab Judah and Devon Alexander, so I donโ€™t have any difficulties facing southpaws.โ€

โ€œMy two fists are my strongest assets as a fighter. I always prepare for 12 rounds, but Iโ€™m always hoping to finish the fight by knockout.โ€

โ€œFighting a legend like Pacquiao is about pride. I feel great to fight a future Hall of Famer like him. It would be very huge for my career to defeat him.โ€

manny pacquiao

โ€œPacquiao has done a lot throughout his career. Heโ€™s still a great fighter and he must not be underestimated. Weโ€™ve defeated Freddie Roachโ€™s fighters before, so it doesnโ€™t make any difference that he will not be in Pacquiaoโ€™s corner for this fight.โ€

โ€œIโ€™ve seen Pacquiao many times, but I had never met him in person. Today is the first time I met him face-to-face.โ€

โ€œMy style is to be aggressive. Obviously, Iโ€™ll have a game plan and may need to adjust during the fight, but thatโ€™s my style.โ€

โ€œIโ€™ve been training in Argentina already. I will start my camp very soon in Indio, Calif. with Joel Diaz.โ€

manny pacquiao vs lucas matthysse pacquiao-matthysse

Share Page