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Manila Bulletin devider devider Pacquiao wants Matthysse as comeback opponent

Pacquiao wants Matthysse as comeback opponent

Published Feb 13, 2018 04:00 pm
By Nick Giongco Manny Pacquiao doesn't want to settle for a second-rate foe for his comeback fight. In fact, Pacquiao is craving to face Argentine strongman Lucas Matthysse, the reigning World Boxing Association welterweight champion. "I want Matthysse," Pacquiao told the Bulletin during a break in his Senate duties Tuesday afternoon. Pacquiao believes his aggressive style and Matthysse's penchant for toe-to-toe exchanges would make for good television. "This is the fight that I like...a fight fans would also like to see," Pacquiao, 39, said. "I can fight in April or even May," added Pacquiao, whose last fight was a heartbreaking points loss to Jeff Horn in July in Brisbane. Matthysse, 35, captured the WBA 147-lb title last Jan. 27 by knocking out Tewa Kiram of Thailand. Pacquiao said he watched Matthysse demolish the Thai and that ignited the fire him. The victory raised Matthysse's record to 39-4-1 with 36 KOs. Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum has been floating the idea of Pacquiao making his New York City debut on April 14 at Madison Square Garden. The name of ex-world champion Mike Alvarado was mentioned as a candidate. But Pacquiao appears cold to the proposal of the Top Rank chief, who is now pressed for time given the proximity of April 14. Still, Pacquiao could still end up appearing on the NYC show if Arum comes up with something mouthwatering for the eight-division champion to pass up on.
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