Matthysse deemed more dangerous than Horn

MANILA, Philippines — Conditioning coach Justin Fortune considers WBA welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse a more dangerous opponent for Manny Pacquiao than Jeff Horn because of his punching power but the downside is the Argentinian is too slow to catch the quicker Filipino who’s expected to use his speed in winning by a late submission or an easy decision in their 12-round title fight at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow.

“Matthysse won’t be able to handle Manny’s speed,” said Fortune who has worked with Pacquiao for eight weeks leading to the Fight of Champions. “I think Matthysse’s a dirty fighter who throws a lot of elbows like Horn. But he’s more dangerous than Horn because he can punch.” Matthysse has scored 36 KOs in 39 wins in a pro career that started in 2004.

Fortune said aside from being slow, Matthysse’s weakness is a weak chin. He’s been dropped twice by John Molina, Jr. and once each by Viktor Postol and Danny Garcia. Against Postol, Matthysse took the full count after he suffered temporary blindness in the left eye. 

“Manny’s well-conditioned for this fight,” said Fortune. “He can’t be overconfident and won’t be. I expect Matthysse will try to brawl, push Manny along the ropes and into the corner. When he fought (Ruslan) Provodnikov, he boxed a bit. That’s because Ruslan’s a brawler like Matthysse so he wanted to change up. But let’s face it, Matthysse can’t box at Manny’s level. Manny’s faster and smarter. Will Matthysse box more than slug? I don’t think so. It’s not his style and besides, he knows he can’t outbox Manny.”

Fortune said Matthysse won’t be able to get away with roughhousing Pacquiao like Horn because referee Kenny Bayless is no Mark Nelson. Bayless won’t allow any shenanigans in the ring. Nelson was the referee who tolerated Horn’s elbowing, butting and dirty tricks when Pacquiao lost a controversial decision in Brisbane last July. Horn wrested the WBO welterweight crown from Pacquiao and later lost it to Terence Crawford on a ninth round stoppage.