Boxing icon has the will for a couple more fights

KUALA LUMPUR: Filipino boxing great Manny Pacquiao insists his career is not over yet and his fight against Argentine Lucas Matthysse is not his last.

At the age of 39, Pacquiao will take on WBA world welterweight title holder Matthysse at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur on July 15.

“I believe I can still fight. Age does not matter. I want them to remember me as a champion and inspiration to everyone. There will be a couple more fights and this is not my last.

“My last fight should be in Manila,” said Pacquiao, who has won 59 of 68 professional bouts.

The highly anticipated world championship fight will take place at 10am (Malaysian time) and is the second major boxing blockbuster in the nation after 43 years.

Muhammad Ali took on British-born Joe Bugner and won at the Merdeka Stadium in KL back in July 1975.

The fight against 35-year-old Matthysse will be the first for Pacquiao since losing his World Boxing Organisation welterweight title to Australian Jeff Horn last July.

“I’m excited to bring back the world title to South-East Asia again. It is a huge motivation for me to fight hard to win the crown.

“I like Matthysse’s aggressive fighting style. It’s hard for me as I’m in the public service and I’ve not fought for some time.

“But I can promise the fans that they will see plenty of action in the ring from both of us.

“If my stamina is not 100%, it’s better for me to back off.

“I have a long leave from June 1 to end of July and I will use this to train and prepare for this fight,” said Pacquiao, who is also a senator back in his home country.

Matthysse said he considers himself a challenger fighting a legend like Pacquiao.

“As an athlete, it’s a big thing for me to face someone of his calibre. I’m a pretty good puncher with both hands. Both of us are clean fighters and I think we want to make boxing fans happy,” said the Argentine, who has 39 wins, including 36 by knockout.

About 15,000 fans are expected to pack the venue in Bukit Jalil to see the two biggest names in boxing slug it out.

This event will also see Malaysia’s own professional boxer Muhammad Farhkan Haron joining other undercard fighters in the ring before the big showdown.