For the last two months in the United States, all Lucas Matthysse has been eating for breakfast, lunch and dinner is a steady stream of southpaws.
In preparation for his first defense of the World Boxing Association welterweight title against super lefty Manny Pacquiao on July 15 in Malaysia, the Argentine champion sparred heavily with left-handers and did the mitts with lead trainer Joel Diaz, also a southpaw.
Matthysse knows his hands will be full since he is up against a special breed of southpaw in Pacquiao, who is eager to bounce back from his controversial loss to Australian bruiser Jeff Horn more than a year ago in Brisbane.
?He?ll be moving around from the first round. I have two strong hands and he moves very well. Maybe he?s going to box from the outside, but at any moment he can come forward,? Matthysse told Elisino Castillo of boxingscene.
?A good right hand can end the fight. But I can also set the outcome with the left, like the last one,? he said.
Matthysse, 35, blew into Kuala Lumpur the other day also with manager Mario Arano and three other support staff.
Goldenboy Promotions publicity chief Ramiro Gonzalez also joined the group since the Oscar De La Hoya-owned outfit promotes the heavy-handed Matthysse.
Pacquiao, meanwhile, is set to arrive in Malaysia from General Santos City late Monday afternoon or early evening.
The eight-division champion is favored to dethrone Matthysse, who had won the crown only last January in Los Angeles.
A victory over Matthysse should line Pacquiao up for bigger fights down the road although a loss could point him toward retirement.
The Pacquiao-Matthysse headliner at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil district of KL will have three other world title fights underneath.
