Matthysse Vows Fight 'to the Death' Against Pacquiao
MANILA (AFP) - World champion Lucas Matthysse on Wednesday vowed a fight "to the death" in his July title defense against Manny Pacquiao, describing the Philippine boxing legend a diminished star.
But the 35-year-old Argentine -- who took the vacant World Boxing Association welterweight title in January -- said it was still a "dream-come-true" and "an honor" to face Pacquiao, winner of eight unprecedented world titles in different weight classes.
"Obviously he is still a very great fighter but since the knockout of Marquez, I think he is not the same fighter anymore," Matthysse said at a joint news conference in Manila, referring to the Filipino's sensational 2012 knockout loss to Juan Manuel Marquez.
Pacquiao, 39, will fight Matthysse for the WBA welterweight belt on July 15 in Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur.
The Filipino has 59 wins with 38 knockouts in his career, and is currently a senator in the Philippine parliament.
But Matthysse -- who has 39 wins with 36 knockouts in 43 matches -- said he was not fazed by the status of his opponent.
Pacquiao has not fought since he lost his World Boxing Organization welterweight crown in a shock points defeat to Australia's Jeff Horn last year, and has not knocked out an opponent in nearly nine years.
****Manny Pacquiao (centre L) will fight Lucas Matthysse (centre R) for the WBA welterweight title in July
But the 35-year-old Argentine -- who took the vacant World Boxing Association welterweight title in January -- said it was still a "dream-come-true" and "an honor" to face Pacquiao, winner of eight unprecedented world titles in different weight classes.
"Obviously he is still a very great fighter but since the knockout of Marquez, I think he is not the same fighter anymore," Matthysse said at a joint news conference in Manila, referring to the Filipino's sensational 2012 knockout loss to Juan Manuel Marquez.
Pacquiao, 39, will fight Matthysse for the WBA welterweight belt on July 15 in Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur.
The Filipino has 59 wins with 38 knockouts in his career, and is currently a senator in the Philippine parliament.
But Matthysse -- who has 39 wins with 36 knockouts in 43 matches -- said he was not fazed by the status of his opponent.
Pacquiao has not fought since he lost his World Boxing Organization welterweight crown in a shock points defeat to Australia's Jeff Horn last year, and has not knocked out an opponent in nearly nine years.
****Manny Pacquiao (centre L) will fight Lucas Matthysse (centre R) for the WBA welterweight title in July