MANILA, Philippines – With a high knockout ratio, WBA welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse is the most dangerous opponent Manny Pacquiao has picked in recent years.
That’s why Pacquiao is leaving nothing to chance and promised to go the extra mile in terms of preparation for their July 15 showdown in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
With 36 of Matthysse’s 39 wins coming by way of knockout, the Argentine’s power cannot be questioned.
“Yes, I always consider (Matthysse’s power),” Pacquiao told the media Wednesday at the lone Manila presser for their fight.
Matthysse’s heavy hands coupled with his aggressive style is a recipe for an entertaining fight, and Pacquiao said he was right in choosing the 35-year-old champion as his next opponent.
"He (Matthysse) has guts. He is aggressive. He can create more action in the ring than my previous fight," added Pacquiao.
The Filipino icon said he plans to train at least two and half months for Matthysse, which is longer than he used to. But with the senate in recess, Pacquiao has all the time in the world to make sure he is in tip-top condition against the dangerous Matthysse.
“We cannot underestimate him. We have to make sure we are in 100 percent condition, physically, mentally, spiritually,” Pacquiao continued.
Matthysse’s camp, for their part, is oozing with confidence, believing that now is the perfect time to get Pacquiao.
Mario Arano, Matthysse’s manager who accompanied the fighter in his Manila trip, made the bold declaration onstage.
“It's Matthysse's time now. Pacquiao's time is over," he said in Spanish.
They would be wrong though to think that Pacquiao will just roll over.
"My time is not yet done," Pacquiao countered.