Pacquiao: 'I picked a dangerous opponent in Matthysse'

MANILA — Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao knows all too well that he'll be in for a tough fight when he takes on WBA welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse on July 15 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Pacquiao, 39, is more than aware of the risks he's taking in fighting Matthysse, who holds a record of 39-4 with 36 knockouts, but is confident of his chances should his team come up with the right game plan and training camp.

Manny Pacquiao and Lucas Matthysse at the press conference of their July bout on Wednesday. Photo: KC Cruz

"In every fight there is a risk, but it depends on how you prepare for the fight. What we wanted was to get an opponent that can give excitement to the fans and give more action," said Pacquiao.

"That's what we did and I believe Matthysse can do that [given] his style. I picked a dangerous opponent in Matthysse. He's a champion but I do believe that we can box him and control the fight. A good training camp is needed for this fight."

Pacquiao last saw action in July last year when he yielded his then WBO world welterweight title to Jeff Horn in a highly controversial bout in Australia.

He plans to start training earlier and longer than usual, and pays no attention to early betting odds suggesting that he is the favorite over the defending champion.

"I'm thinking of [training] for two and a half months after this press tour. Even if I'm the favorite in this fight I won't be overconfident. I have to make sure that I am a 100% condition for the fight and work hard in training," Pacquiao quipped.

"Good thing that this fight is on July 15 because we have a long off from the senate so I can focus and prepare for the fight. Matthysse is aggressive, wants to get inside and throw a lot of punches. That's good thing because we can definitely give a good fight. We cannot underestimate him." — LA, GMA News