BAGUIO CITY – Filipino fans of boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao again awaits a big win from the Filipino boxer after losing his WBO world welterweight title against Jeff Horn last year that earned criticisms for Pacquiao’s leaving the ring in retirement permanently.
Pacquiao recently broke the long wait and his silence that he is not hanging his gloves that easy.
His upcoming title showdown against WBA welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse scheduled at the Axiata Arena, KualaLumpur, Malaysia come July 2018 will either be a fight to win or leave the ring for the boxing icon.
Matthysse’s camp and manager Mario Arano in a press conference held in Manila last week told Philstar.com, through the Golden Boy Promotions public relations head Ramiro Gonzales, that “he was following Pacquiao’s career and saw his fights live in Las Vegas”.
Adding that “Pacquiao’s time is over”, he believes that the 35 year old, Argentina pride will beat Pacquiao while predicting Lucas Matthysse “will knock Pacquiao out”.
When one thinks that Pacquiao’s being known as an unstoppable force in his prime and his training hard for every fight assures him of an easy fight, his being in shape could be an issue for the fight, whether he can sustain the tempo for twelve rounds.
Matthysse could either be a tough or an easy opponent but is expected to go toe-to-toe with power and attack in the fight. On the other hand, Pacquiao’s speed and agility can be the best compromise in the fight against Matthysse.
Pacquiao has won his last fight in November 5, 2016, outpointing Jessie Vargas for the WBO World welterweight title.
At 39 years old, Pacquiao has not much disadvantage due the age difference with the opponent.
If Manny should come 100 percent prepared he can prove the critics wrong. The truth of the matter is that both opponents are in the same situation with the goal to win, however, the fighter with the best physical condition will be emerging victorious.
By: BOBBY VINLUAN
