Manny Pacquiao v Lucas Matthysse Boxing Preview on Filipino’s Comeback

Our Manny Pacquiao v Lucas Matthysse boxing preview explores how far the eight-division champion Pacquiao is still a strong warrior, as he used to be. Would the next fight feature Filipino’s comeback to collect more world championship belts?

The 39-year-old former world champion Pacquiao will challenge Argentine Lucas Matthysse on July 14th at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The WBA welterweight title will be on the line. It looks like a perfect opportunity for the second ranked warrior in the division Pacquiao to prove his career is not yet over and that he is the same puncher who used to fight before the knockout by Juan Manuel Marquez in 2012.

According to online gambling sites in Malaysia, Pacquiao, who holds a record of 38 knockouts, is the favourite to win his 69th professional fight. Yet many spectators believe the veteran is no longer strong enough to capture a victory. Do you think he could impress the fans again? Well, in our Manny Pacquiao v Lucas Matthysse boxing preview we opt for the Filipino fighter to win albeit in final rounds.

Manny Pacquiao v Lucas Matthyse boxing preview

(Source: Fight Sports)

Manny Pacquiao has not fought since losing the WBO title to Jeff Horn last July. However, his next fight will feature the third successful comeback for Pacquiao in six years if he wins. Pacquiao won three times after Marquez knocked him out in 2012, then he lost by unanimous decision to Floyd Mayweather in 2015, but Pacquiao fought back and won twice in 2016. Now he has big plans for the future if he beats Matthysse.

According to online sportsbook news in Malaysia Pacquiao hopes to face off with Vasyl Lomachenko in 2018. Loma who just won his third world title in different weight divisions in a record of 12 professional fights is on the rise and may consider Pacquiao’s offer if the latter wins.

Matthysse to defend his only world title belt

Matthysse has beaten Thailand’s Tewa Kiram to win the vacant WBA welterweight belt in January, extending his record to 38-4-0. However the 35-year-old Matthysse does not have the hand speed or the movement he may have had when he was younger, but he still enjoys serious pop when landed cleanly. Can he make some serious damage to Pacquiao in July?

If Matthysse succeeds to square in Pacquiao and land some harmful punches, it will be surprising to all fans. For a guy in his age Pacquiao remains well conditioned and has the heart of a warrior. His athleticism, quickness and power have dropped, but Pacquiao still has the movement, high work rate, and the boxing IQ to get the job done. That is why he is the favourite according to our Manny Pacquiao v Lucas Matthysse boxing preview.

Pacquiao will fight without Freddie Roach

At Unibet Sportsbook the odds are (1.50) for Manny Pacquiao to win the fight, while they are (2.62) for his opponent Lucas Matthysse, thus for the fight to end with a split draw is the least likely to happen with (21) odds. Do you think the fight will end with a knockout or a decision?

Although it is hard to predict how the fight will end, especially since Matthysse is a good fighter and will not give up easily, Pacquiao has one weak point that could make him suffer in the ring. Pacquiao replaced his long-term trainer Freddie Roach for the fight and will instead work with Buboy Fernandez ahead of the contest. It remains to be seen how Roach’s absence will affect Pacquiao’s performance.