It was recently revealed by Golden Boy promoter, Oscar De La Hoya that Lucas Matthysse and Manny Pacquiao was confirmed for Saturday, July 14. The event will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
“Signed, sealed, and delivered: Proud to officially announce that WBA welterweight world champion Lucas Matthysse will put his title on the line against Manny Pacquiao in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Saturday night July 14 (US time).” Former 6-weight world champion, Oscar De La Hoya stated on social media.
Golden Boy president, Eric Gomez echoed those sentiments and feels very confident the fight will come to fruition. Gomez said that the deal was too tempting for the Argentine to pass up.
“When we were contacted by Manny Pacquiao and his crew, we weren’t sure what his current situation was but we obviously worked together. There were a few issues that came up and we worked through them and we were able to get it done,” explained Gomez.
“We have every assurance that this is going to happen. We’re working on the press conference now. We feel confident this is going to go through,” said Gomez.
“Obviously Lucas would love to do the fight here in the U.S. and wanted the fight here in the U.S. but it was too good of a deal to pass up in Malaysia and we’re very excited and happy that he got this opportunity.”
“He deserves it and he’s wanted it for some time now and whenever you get a chance to fight Manny Pacquiao, you’ve got to be willing to go to the moon if it’s going to take place there,” Gomez said.
Ahead of the showdown, The 39-year old Pacquiao said when he announced that he was to be taking on Matthysse for the WBA world welterweight title.
“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.
The legendary 8-weight world champion added “I’m the underdog in this fight but I’m used to it. It serves as a big motivation for me to train and fight hard to win the crown.”
Pacquiao’s advisor, Michael Koncz has also hinted Pacquiao’s long partnership with renown trainer, Freddie Roach could perhaps, have reached the end of its cycle.
Moving forwards, Koncz suggested that Manny’s best friend Buboy who has become somewhat of a familiar face as an everpresent fixture in Pacquiao’s corner over the course of his long career.
“Manny will make the final decision on this. He’s contemplating letting Buboy shine at the finish of his career,” Koncz said to The Times.
“If Buboy can get a stable of boxers out of this … no hard feelings to Freddie, but Manny has not made a final decision.”
“Freddie had a great run and they did a lot of great things together, but that does not mean that Manny can’t go on without Freddie.”
“Manny learned a lot from Freddie, but he’s at the stage where he’s going to be ending his career.
“I truly believe this: A fighter must only have one voice in the corner and it must be a voice he can trust.”
On a final note, Koncz reignited the flames that are roaring for a super fight meeting between Pacquiao and 2 x Olympic Gold medalist, Vasyl Lomachenko by suggesting Pacquiao will look to end his career with a bang and look to lock horns with the talented Ukranian later this year.
“He has his eye on Lomachenko in the fall,” Koncz told the Los Angeles Times.
READ MORE:
Deontay Wilder Ready to Fight At Wembley This Summer Says Manager
WATCH: Deontay Wilder And Tyson Fury React To Anthony Joshua’s Unification Fight