ARGENTINA’S Lucas Matthysse speaks from his press conference in the Philippines ahead of his fight against Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao on July 15 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
“I’m excited and happy for the opportunity to fight Manny Pacquiao. It’s an honour. But it’s also a risk because it’s the first defence of my title. More than anything though, I’m excited and honoured.”
“I’ve faced a lot of tough opponents, but not with his [Pacquiao’s] style. I’ve faced a lot of southpaws including Zab Judah and Devon Alexander, so I don’t have any difficulties facing southpaws.”
“My two fists are my strongest assets as a fighter. I always prepare for 12 rounds, but I’m always hoping to finish the fight by knockout.”
“Fighting 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.”
“Pacquiao has done a lot throughout his career. He’s still a great fighter and he must not be underestimated. We’ve defeated Freddie Roach’s fighters before, so it doesn’t make any difference that he will not be in Pacquiao’s corner for this fight.”
“I’ve seen Pacquiao many times, but I had never met him in person. Today is the first time I met him face-to-face.”
“My style is to be aggressive. Obviously, I’ll have a game plan and may need to adjust during the fight, but that’s my style.”
“I’ve been training in Argentina already. I will start my camp very soon in Indio, Calif. with Joel Diaz.”
