Matthysse to defend title against Pacquiao

Boxing promoter Oscar De La Hoya confirmed Monday that Argentina’s World Boxing Association welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse will defend his title against Manny Pacquiao in Kuala Lumpur in July.

Filipino icon Pacquiao had first announced plans for the fight in a statement last month, but details of the bout remained shrouded in uncertainty.

In a statement on Twitter, De La Hoya said the contest was now confirmed.

“Signed, sealed, and delivered: Proud to officially announce that WBA welterweight world champion @MatthysseLucas will put his title on the line against @mannypacquiao in Kuala Lumpur, Malyasia on Saturday night July 14 (US time),” De La Hoya wrote.

Pacquiao, 39, had said last month that the fight against Matthysse would take place on June 24.

“This is going to be a tough fight. Matthysse is also a knockout artist.

But I’m excited to fight and be a world champion again,” Pacquiao said.