Pacquiao, Matthysse ‘face off’ ahead of welterweight fight in Malaysia

Filipino boxing icon and senator Manny Pacquiao and Argentinian boxer Lucas Matthysse on Thursday came face-to-face Thursday during the last press conference for their WBA welterweight championship match in Malaysia on Sunday.

Shown during the "Fight of Champions" press conference in Kuala Lumpur was the championship belt that the two will be fighting for and features their engraved images.

A report by Mav Gonzales on Balitanghali said aside from Pacquiao and Matthysse, other boxers in undercard matches were also presented to the media.

Aside from the Pacquiao-Matthysse fight, four world title fights are also scheduled on Sunday, with other Filipino boxers also competing.

Pacman drew loud cheers from the crowd as he was introduced, as well as his head trainer Coach Buboy Fernandez, who was Coach Freddie Roach's assistant for many years.

Fernandez thanked those who contributed in the training with Pacquiao.

Manny's son Israel, meanwhile, caught the crowd's attention when he walked up to the stage carrying a flaglet of the Philippines.

Golden Boy Promotions CEO Oscar De La Hoya and several dignitaries were also present at the press conference.

The WBA welterweight belt, which had a picture of Pacquiao and Matthysse, was also presented.

The final weigh-in will be on Saturday at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur. — Jamil Santos/MDM, GMA News