Pacquiao, Matthysse fight set for July

FILE: Filipino boxer Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (Photo: @mannypacquiao/Twitter)

One of the greatest pound for pound boxers, the Philippines’ very own Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao confirmed that he is set to challenge World Boxing Association (WBA) ‘Regular’ welterweight champion Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse.

The confirmation of Pacquiao’s comeback to the canvas first broke out when the Matthysse’s promoter, the ‘Golden Boy’ Oscar De La Hoya tweeted about it on Tuesday, April 3.

“Signed, sealed, and delivered. Proud to officially announce that WBA welterweight world champion @MatthysseLucas will put his title on the line against @mannypacquiao in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Saturday night July 14 (US Time),” De La Hoya said in his tweet.

About an hour after the legendary boxer’s tweet, 39-year-old Pacman also took to Twitter to share his excitement over his return to the boxing ring.

“It’s on! Can’t wait to challenge Lucas Matthysse for another world title on July 15 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – July 14 US time #Pacmanisback,” his tweet read.

Earlier in March, Pacquiao announced this fight versus the Argentinian boxer.

“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,” the renowned Filipino boxer said in a statement, according to an Agence France-Presse report on March 9.

He said that he considers himself as an ‘underdog’ in the upcoming match, but found the motivation to win with this status.

Pacquiao’s boxing record suffered from his last match after losing to Australian boxer Jeffrey Horn, Jr. in July 2017, scratching his record to 39 wins, seven losses, and two draws. Pacman also lost his WBO welterweight title that he won from a match versus Jessie Vargas in November 2016.

Thirty-five-year-old Matthysse is a boxer promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, Inc. founded by De La Hoya. This will be his first time to defend his world title as he won it this January 2018 in a match versus Thai boxer Teerachai Sithmorseng when the welterweight championship was vacant of a holder.

The Argentinian boxer has a record of 39 wins and four losses, in which 36 of his victories were knockouts.