Matthysse out to redeem Argentina’s pride
KUALA LUMPUR: Argentinian professional boxer Lucas Matthysse is determined to beat Philippine’s legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao at the ‘Fight of Champions’ on Sunday, to ease his country’s disappointment in the ongoing World Cup.
The World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight champion wanted to redeem the recent defeat of the Argentinian squad in the quarter-final stage of the World Cup, to Croatia.
“We know that Argentina were unlucky in the World Cup, although they had been playing very well,” he said after a warm-up and training session at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
“Likewise, this fight is no different and equally important to our people. I will try my best to become the champion.”
Matthysse will square off against Pacquiao, also known as ‘Pacman’, in a much anticipated battle at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
The 35-year-old boxer has won 39 bouts (36 knock-outs), while Pacquiao, 39, is the only eight-division 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.
The bout is considered by many to be the biggest boxing event to be held in Kuala Lumpur after the Muhammad Ali-Joe Bugner’s action in 1975.