Trainer says Pacquiao prepared for Matthysse's knockout power

Trainers of Filipino boxing icon and Senator Manny Pacquiao on Friday assured his fans that Pacquiao is well-prepared for the supposed knockout power of Argentine boxer Lucas Matthysse when the two face each other on July 15 for the WBA Welterweight belt.

Head trainer Buboy Fernandez said in an interview on Unang Balita on Friday that they carefully watched Matthysse's past fights to prepare for the welterweight champion's heavy-hitting style.

"Ang gameplan natin, aantayin natin na Matthysse ang gagawa ng aksyon saka tayo ka-counter," he said.

Instead of aiming for a knockout, Fernandez said Pacquiao is focused on showing that he is still on top of his game.

"Basta sa amin po, pag nakita namin na medyo bukas yung pintuan niya, papasukin at papasukin po natin. Kumbaga, huwag po nating sayangin yung pagkakataon," he said.

The 39-year old Pacquiao (59-7-2 win-loss-draw record), who is coming off a controversial, 12-round loss against Australian Jeff Horn in Brisbane a year ago, is fighting against a slightly younger opponent in the 35-year old Matthysse (39-4-1).

The fight, which will be held at Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, will have President Rodrigo Duterte as among the audience. It can be viewed on GMA 7.

Aside from the Pacquiao-Matthysse fight, four world title fights are also scheduled on Sunday, with other Filipino boxers competing. —Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News