Bidding to claim an unprecedented eleventh championship, Pacquiao faces Argentinian hardman Lucas Matthysse with the WBA’s welterweight title belt on the line.
Speaking to reporters in Malaysia, Pacquiao was in good spirits with just days to go.
“I am ready. I have never predicted the outcome of any of my fights but this training camp is special for many reasons. I am motivated, I am happy, I am hungry,” said Pacquiao.
“I am excited to show the world a new Manny Pacquiao on July 15 (July 14 in the US) at the Axiata Arena here in Kuala Lumpur.”
He continued: “Argentina has been my (football) team since before…” This, after he was asked which team he was rooting for in the World Cup.
“I have always been a boxer. Boxing has been my country’s (Philippines) source of pride and my humble contribution to my fellowmen.
“When I won one world title after another until we had 10 world titles in eight divisions, it felt like we have won the World Cup many times over,” added the legend.
A loss for Pacquiao would be unthinkable at this stage of his career after the ‘Pacman’ suffered an injustice at the hands of Jeff Horn in Australia last year.
Victory for Pacquiao, who is the pre-fight favorite, could set up a massive fight with former stablemate Amir Khan in early 2019.
