Marvin Somodio says Pacquiao too quick for Matthysse

MANILA, Philippines — Take it from the man who worked two fights opposite WBA welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse of Argentina.  Trainer Freddie Roach’s chief assistant Marvin Somodio said yesterday even at 39, Manny Pacquiao will be too quick for Matthysse and predicted the title to change hands when they clash in the Fight of Champions at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur on July 15.

Somodio was in the corner with Ruslan Provodnikov and Viktor Postol when they engaged Matthysse.  The Argentinian pounded out a hard-fought win by a majority decision over Provodnikov in April 2015 and lost to Postol via a knockout in October that same year.  Somodio saw up close Matthysse at his best and worst.

“Matthysse has power in both hands,” said Somodio in a text message from Los Angeles where he is based.  “He likes it when you stand in front of him or when you’re in the ropes or in the corner.  If he catches Manny with his left hook or right hand, he can hurt him but I think Manny is too quick.  Manny has to use angles, box and break him down.  Once he sees Matthysse backing up, Manny can finish him as long as he’s in good shape.”

There is no doubt Matthysse, 35, packs a lot of power in both hands.  He has scored 36 KOs in 39 wins, a 92 percent KO rate.  But the rugged slugger pays a high price for his aggressiveness.  He was floored by Postol, John Molina, Jr. twice and Danny Garcia.  He suffered a fractured left cheekbone and a broken jaw in losing to Garcia on points in 2013.  Against Postol, he had temporary blindness in the left eye and took the full count on his knee.  His left orbital bone was severely banged up but Matthysse didn’t undergo surgery and took a 19-month layoff to recover from the injury.

Somodio said because Matthysse doesn’t back down, the fight will likely not go the full 12-round route.  “It’s a big possibility that Manny will stop Matthysse,” he said.  “Manny isn’t the same fighter he was but he’s still one of the best in the world and so much faster than Matthysse.  What I’ve noticed is Matthysse gets frustrated when he misses.”

As for Matthysse’s trainer Joel Diaz, Somodio said he could make a difference.  “Joel is one of the best trainers in the world and has worked in two of Timothy Bradley’s fights against Manny,” said Somodio.  “His experience can help Matthysse adjust and be a better fighter.  But who’s the more durable fighter and who can take a punch better?  I don’t think it’s Matthysse.”

Somodio said Postol used his height and reach advantage to beat Matthysse.  Pacquiao, however, is shorter by an inch and his wingspan is two inches less so those factors won’t provide an edge.  “Against Ruslan, Matthysse used his footwork and handspeed to outbox him,” he said.  “It will be a different story with Manny.  I don’t think Matthysse can outbox Manny because Manny is so much quicker and has better footwork.”