Pacman vows action-packed fight for fans

Manny Pacquiao said Thursday he is prepared for an action-packed fight against aggressive Argentinian Lucas Matthysse in Sunday’s world title bout that could put his illustrious career at stake.

Pacquiao, who turns 40 in December, returns to the ring a year after losing his World Boxing Organization welterweight title in a shock defeat to Australia’s Jeff Horn in Brisbane.

Pacquiao said he chose to fight Matthysse, the current World Boxing Association welterweight champion, because the Argentinian is aggressive and they could both provide “a lot of action” in the ring.

“It’s going to be a good fight,” Pacquiao said at a news conference. “I don’t care if he has 36 knockouts...it’s about your talent and skill inside the ring. Let’s see on Sunday who will be the best.”

A once impoverished rural boy who turned into one of the world’s wealthiest sportsman and now a Filipino senator, Pacquiao’s rags-to-riches story has inspired many in his country. His biggest supporter on Sunday will be Filipino President Filipino Duterte, who will arrive in Malaysia to watch the bout ahead of an official visit.

“Pacman” Pacquiao, 39, has won 59 times, including 38 by knockout, and lost seven times (three by knockout) along with two draws. Matthysse, 35, has 39 wins — 36 by knockout — and four losses, one of them by knockout.

It will be the first time since 2001 that Pacquiao is fighting without longtime trainer Freddie Roach, who was dropped in the run-up to the Malaysian fight and replaced with former assistant coach and friend Buboy Fernandez.

Matthysse told the news conference he is determined to defend his title and isn’t concerned that it could end Pacquiao’s career if the Filipino loses. He said it has been his dream since young to fight Pacquiao, an 11-time world champion across eight divisions.

“He’s a great champion but he hasn’t faced the ‘great machine’, Lucas Matthysse,” he said, referring to his moniker. “If he decides to retire, that’s his decision. I’m here to defend my title.” /

It’s not easy but this is time management. I have good people around me. MANNY PACQUIAO on his many interests

He’s been poorly served by those closest to him, the unusually large entourage that follows him everywhere, often with hands out. KEVIN IOLE Yahoo columnist on Pacquiao fighting past his prime.