Philippines, 26 Feb 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Can Mr. Matthysse honestly spell DEFENSE?


PhilBoxing.com




FOR a first warning, veteran promoter Bob Arum said WBA world welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse would be a very dangerous opponent.

Matthysse, as everyone must know by now, makes a first defense of his WBA championship against Filipino national treasure Manny Pacquiao on July 15 in Kuala Lumpur.

When Matthysse showed up recently in Manila for a press conference that formally launched his title battle against Pacquiao, he appeared more like a harmless altar boy. He was calm and collected, handsome in a hemp barong tagalog.

**

Pacquiao, on the other hand, showed up for the traditional stare-down very firm, solid and robust. He beamed proudly in a dark diplomatic suit.

Maybe it was not the faded 39-year-old warrior Matthysse had thought he would meet after his tiring 30-hour trip from Buenos Aires?

Matthysse, 35, readily strutted up and declared he would be ready to die in defending his title.

**

Pacquiao and Matthysse next flew to Kuala Lumpur to promote their bout called ?Battle of Champions.?

Pacquiao made routine announcements, like how he would train longer, harder to be in perfect form.

Matthysse said he would train twice as hard. He also stressed he would surely knock out and retire Pacquiao.

Meanwhile, Arum would next be overheard flashing a red alert
The grizzled 86-year-old matchmaker warned that Matthysse ?hits as hard as a truck.?

**

It?s both odd and alarming but practically everybody who cares about boxing hereabouts would next manifest apprehension over Pacquiao?s chances against Matthysse.

These same people were one in wondering whether Pacquiao, after a year-long lay-off, could survive the hammer-fisted Argentinian world champion, who won his world crown with another stoppage only last January.

Prominently noted was Matthysse?s astounding record that saw him knocking out 36 of his 39 victims.

The common question would be,? Kaya ba talaga ni Manny si Matthysse? (Can Manny really handle Matthysse?)?

**

For his part, Pacquiao would not say much. All he had stressed was that he chose Matthysse because the WBA champion really loves to charge in, fight and rumble, without stepping back.
Pacquiao also promised a very thrilling bout for everyone.

He has, so far, refused to discuss Matthysse?s defense, perceived to be both patchy and loose.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • San Francisco Boxing Leaders Bring It Back: FIGHT NIGHT AT ROCCAPULCO
    , Thu, 26 Feb 2026
  • Alyssa Mendoza, Salim Ellis-Bey and Kelvin Watts Secure Wins on Day Three of 2026 Strandja Boxing Tournament
    , Thu, 26 Feb 2026
  • Herlan Gomez faces Dekang Wang for WBA Asia Superbamtam Title Today in Kunming, China
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026
  • Queensberry Promotions to sue SELA and TKO?
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026
  • IBA President Umar Kremlev promises prize money for boxers at LA 2028 if the IOC doesn’t change their policy towards athletes’ rewards
    , Thu, 26 Feb 2026
  • Ruben Castillo, The uncrowned champion passes away
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Return of Ryan Garcia
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • “It’s moments a kid dreams off.” Sam Rennie returns for title challenge March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • ‘It’s going to be a great fight and most importantly looking forward to the 10 pints together after it’ Billy Quinncroft challenges for Cruiserweight title March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • Magdalena Contreras Municipality and WBC start "Boxing for Peace" in Mexico
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • United States Captures Four More Wins on Day Two of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
    , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • Date set for Manny-Money 2
    By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • Knockout Artist Sugar Martinez (17-0, 17 KOs) Makes His US Debut Against Philly Veteran Daiyan Butt
    , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • IM Yap outwits GM Gareyev, shares lead; Maribao split the point with GM Quizon in Round 3 of the Manny Pacquiao International Open chess
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • 2 Division World Champion José Luis Castillo Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
    , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • Doors open for Manny
    By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • MEXICAN TITANS GO HEAD-TO-HEAD HIGHLIGHTING CINCO DE MAYO WEEKEND IN LAS VEGAS!
    , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Alex Bray and Gabriela Tellez Capture WBA Titles, Dainier Pero Scores Impressive Stoppage at “Night of Champions XIV” in Orlando
    , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Cebuana Lhuillier Gems Officially Join Inaugural Pickle Yard Conference League
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • ADAMES AND AMMO CLASH FOR WORLD TITLE IN ORLANDO ON MARCH 21
    , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Filipino Alexis Emil Maribao shocks Indonesian Grandmaster Susanto Megaranto in the Manny Pacquiao International Open Chess opener
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Team USA Notches Perfect Day to Open 77th International Strandja Boxing Tournament
    , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Floyd Mayweather Vs. Manny Pacquiao Set for Blockbuster Professional Rematch Streaming Live Globally on Netflix Saturday, September 19
    , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Zulueta, Bactol, Dologuin, Almacen Score Knockout Wins in Thailand (PHOTOS)
    By Carlos Costa, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Francisco wins PBF flyweight title
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.