Pacman ponders calling time on his legendary career in boxing

● Philippine boxing legend Manny

Pacquiao says the outcome of his July bout against Argentine Lucas Matthysse will likely determine whether he hangs up his gloves after a storied career.

After a one-year hiatus from the ring, the 39-year-old has started training two weeks earlier than usual to bring himself to peak fighting condition.

“I am not saying it will be the last, but it will be the basis for (me) to think about (whether) to continue or not,” Pacquiao told AFP after training in Manila on Thursday.

“So I am trying my best . . . in the training in this fight to show if I can still do it or not,” he said.

Pacquiao has won world titles across an unprecedented eight different weight classes, but critics — including Matthysse, who is four years his junior — question his ability to box at the top of his game due to his age. The fighter, who won 38 of his first 47 professional fights by knockout, has not knocked out an opponent in nine years.

The two will face off for the World Boxing Association welterweight belt on July 15 in Malaysia.

The fight comes a year since the southpaw lost his World Boxing Organisation welterweight crown in a shock points defeat to Australia’s Jeff Horn.

In contrast, Matthysse won the vacant WBA belt after beating Thailand’s Teerachai Sithmorseng in January.

“(Matthysse) is a very aggressive fighter. I am not worried about his style. My worry is I need to get 100% conditioned — the stamina, the power and the strength to survive the 12 rounds,” Pacquiao said.

However, the challenger predicted on Thursday that his fans would see him on top form in Malaysia.

I need to get 100% conditioned — stamina, power and strength to survive the 12 rounds

“A young Manny Pacquiao throwing a lot of punches, and more footwork, head movements, side by side (motions) — that’s my goal to achieve for this fight,” he said. Pacquiao, who is also a Philippine senator, previously rejected criticism that his recent losses have tarnished his record.

On Thursday he hit the mitts with friend and compatriot Restituto “Buboy” Fernandez whom he chose to be his head coach for the fight over long-standing US trainer Freddie Roach.