The Filipino Senator is a 1/2 on favourite to take the Argentinian’s WBA welterweight strap despite losing out controversially to Jeff Horn in his last fight.
According to oddsmakers at Novibet Sports, Matthysse is 6/4 to keep the championship belt he won when defeating Tewa Kiram back in January.
Both men are looking forward to a war in what will be a huge event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and broadcast on ESPN+ in the United States and BoxNation in the UK.
“Manny Pacquiao. I want to defeat a legendary fighter like Manny. This is not Judah, Alexander, Postol or Garcia,” said Matthysse when landing in Asia over the weekend.
Pacquiao, who has seen it all before in world title fights in a career spanning three decades, previously told World Boxing News: “I chose Lucas Matthysse among many other fighters because I know that his style and my brand of boxing can only bring the best results for all fans to see.
“Of course, he has a champion’s belt which makes it more interesting. A win against Lucas Matthysse in a huge fight like this will be my ticket to bigger opportunities.
“I am the challenger and this is the eleventh championship belt that I am hoping to get.”
The winner is in line for a huge collision with Amir Khan later in the year or in early 2019 as Khan aims to challenge for a recognized crown and has made it clear Pacquiao is the target.
Matthysse could still be considered if he can pull off a shock, with Khan unlikely to face the likes of Errol Spence or battle Danny Garcia for a second time unless in unification circumstances.
