Matthysse to redeem Argentina’s defeat in World Cup

KUALA LUMPUR: Argentinian professional boxer Lucas Matthysse is determined to beat Philippine’s legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao at the ‘Fight of Champions’ this Sunday, to ease his country’s disappointment in the ongoing 2018 World Cup.

The World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight champion wanted to redeem the recent defeat of the Argentinian squad in the last quarter finals of the 2018 World Cup, to Croatia.

“We all know that Argentina was unlucky in the World Cup, although they had been playing very well.

“Likewise, this fight is no different and equally important to our people. I will try my best to become the champion,” he told reporters after a warm-up and training session at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Matthysse would square off against Pacquiao, also known as ‘Pacman’, in a much anticipated battle at the Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, this weekend.

The 35-year-old boxer has won 39 bouts (36 knock-outs), while Pacquiao, 39, is the only eightdivision world champion with 59 victories (38 knock-outs).

Matthysee, nicknamed ‘The Machine’ for his formidable punching power, won the title in January, after beating Thai boxer, Tewa Kiram. - Bernama