Trainer Joel Diaz insists Manny Pacquiao no longer possesses the same power as when he was younger.
As such, Diaz will instruct Lucas Matthysse to go all out for a knockout when the Argentine champion defends his World Boxing Association welterweight crown against Pacquiao in Kuala Lumpur on July 15.
Thoroughly familiar with Pacquiao?s style, however, Diaz knows that attacking relentlessly will pose some danger to Matthysse as well.
That?s why Diaz, who handled Timothy Bradley in the crafty American?s first two fights against Pacquiao, has charted a detailed, technical plan that follows the Bradley blueprint.
Bradley was gifted with a victory by the judges in his first fight with Pacquiao, which a panel of experts later reviewed and concluded that Pacquiao actually won, before he decisively lost the return bout.
While Bradley is considered a better fighter then Matthysse, the Argentinean packs the stronger punch with both hands.
?I think if Lucas follows the plan the way we are working on and catches Pacquiao in an exchange, we will hurt him,? Diaz told KO Artist Sports.
Diaz, of course, knows that Matthysse can’t outgun and outland the 8-division Filipino world champion.
?Going the distance with Manny, we?re not going to win. So we?re going for all the marbles. We have to go for the knockout,? the trainer said.
For Matthysse to achieve that goal entails timing.
?With Manny Pacquiao you must have good timing, because Manny Pacquiao is a fighter who is very intense. Some people don?t see it but Manny Pacquiao can tire you out psychologically because physically you can never time him when he comes in. He?s always so tense. He uses a lot of feints. He always keeps you on the edge.?
But Diaz?s trained eyes have noticed some difference.
?I?ve seen Manny Pacquiao 10 years ago, 5 years ago and 2 months ago. He?s made some changes but he?s not he young Manny Pacquiao that had the power. When was the last time that he knocked out someone out? It?s been a while,? Diaz said.
Pacquiao last recorded a knockout in 2009, when he stopped Miguel Cotto in the 12th round.
Don?t tell that to George Kambosos Jr., Pacquiao?s chief sparring partner for the Matthysse fight, however.
The unbeaten lightweight (14-0, 8 KOs) believes Pacquiao is due for another knockout as Matthysse?s daredevil stance suits him best.
