The ‘Pacman’ bids to put another controversial career loss behind him on July 14 in Malaysia following his defeat to Jeff Horn almost a year ago.
Horn’s highly debated reverse led some to believe Pacquiao would hang up his gloves, but Filipino legend is far from finished with the sport as he approaches his 40’s.
“Definitely this is not my last fight,” the 39-year-old stated. “I want my last fight to be in the Philippines, but I still have a couple more fights till I retire.”
On his fight with Matthysse, Pacquiao added: “Matthysse’s style is very aggressive. He’ll want to come inside and fight toe-to-toe. You won’t see running or dancing in the ring.”
Matthysse, who brings the WBA ‘Regular’ welterweight title belt to the table, stated: “I’m a pretty big puncher with both hands
“But more importantly, my conditioning gives me the confidence to win this fight,” he said.
READ: Lucas Matthysse happy to be facing a ‘MONSTER’ like Manny Pacquiao
A win for Pacquiao means he could either be elevated to full champion or pitted against ‘super’ champion Keith Thurman later in the year, whilst there will be a plethora of options open for the eight-weight champion.
The recently victorious Amir Khan has always been a fight of interest to fight fans around the world, although Vasyl Lomachenko at a catchweight also has its appeal.
Khan defeated Phil Lo Greco in under 40 seconds and has been promised a big fight by promoter Eddie Hearn.
Facing Pacquiao in November is highly possible should a world title be at stake before Khan then moves on to battle Kell Brook early in 2019.
Should the Pacquiao clash fail to materialize, Khan may well decide to take the Brook fight at the end of the year as his contract with Hearn comes to an end.
Whatever happens, much will hang on the performance of Pacquiao as decline sets in during his twilight years.
