Matthysse retires after Pacquiao beatdown
Manny Pacquiao turned out to be the final opponent for Lucas Matthysse, who recently announced his retirement from the sport.
In an Instagram post, the former welterweight champion said he is hanging up his gloves after a 10-year career.
According to boxingscene.com’s English translation of Matthysse’s post, the Argentine fighter is proud of his career, which included a short reign as WBA regular welterweight champion.
"Thanks to boxing for changing my life," Matthysse said.
"I am proud that I maintained my career for 10 years at the world level, where I fought with the best in boxing and I fulfilled my dream of being a world champion,” he added.
Matthysse, 35, lost to Pacquiao in their fight last month in Kuala Lumpur, going down three times en route to a seventh-round technical setback. It was his fifth defeat against 39 wins.
"Thanks to all those who followed me in my career, for all of their love, because that is the most beautiful thing in this sport of boxing, which is a nice environment,” continued Matthysse, who has stopped 36 of his opponents, earning him the reputation of being a knockout artist.
The pride of Trelew, Argentina won the WBA welterweight belt last January after knocking out Thailand’s Tewa Kiram, only to lose it to Pacquiao in his first defense.
Matthysse reportedly earned at least $2 million against Pacquiao, the highest purse of his career and, as it turns out, his retirement check.
“Today, I decide to hang up the gloves because another stage in my life is coming,” said Matthysse. —