Weight woes for Matthysse?

KUALA LUMPUR – Manny Pacquiao’s strength and conditioning coach is playing mind games with Lucas Matthysse’s camp close to Sunday’s big event.

Justine Fortune, an ex-heavyweight contender from Australia, said he’s gotten word that Matthysse is having weight woes.

“That’s what we were told,” Fortune told The STAR.

Matthysse’s refusal to let Filipino mediamen inside the gym as he trained Tuesday further bolstered Fortune’s claim.

“We heard he’s having trouble making weight. He’s eight pounds over the limit. That’s good for us,” he said at the lobby of Le Meridien.

If indeed he has problems with his weight, then Matthysse would understandably stay away from the eyes of the media.

Probably, he’s wrapped in plastic as he trains.

“If you’re over eight pounds at this time then you have a problem,” added Fortune of Matthysse ahead of Saturday’s official weigh-in.

The PR director of Golden Boy Promotions, who's been with Matthysse day in, day out, said otherwise.

"No diet. Eating very healthy," he said.

The welterweight limit is set at 147 pounds, and Pacquiao, in contrast, eats three solid meals a day to get near the limit.

“Manny has to eat to make weight,” said Fortune.

Lead trainer Buboy Fernandez said Pacquiao tipped the scales at 145 before leaving General Santos City Monday afternoon.

“Manny is in great shape, immensely, physically and mentally. There’s no problem,” said Fortune.

“We can fight anytime now,” he added.