12 Jun 2019
Eight-division champion, Manny Pacquiao, returns to the ring once more this weekend, in hope of winning the welterweight belt for the fourth time in his career.
Argentinian Lucas Matthysse is the man who stands in his way, and with a recent victory over undefeated Tewa Kiram, it shows that this will be no easy night in the office.
Pacquiao, now aged 39, has not had a professional bout in over a year and the last time he stepped foot in the ring, it didn’t end so well. A controversial loss to Jeff Horn signalled the end of an era for one of boxing’s all-time greats, or at least it should have done…
The now Senator of Philippines refuses to call it a day due to his hunger and passion for the sport, and this fight could see his opportunity to go out on a high.
His opponent and current defending champion Lucas Matthysse is no walk over though. The 35-year old has enjoyed a solid comeback since 2017 - winning both of his return bouts and most noticeably knocking out undefeated Tewa Kiram in January.
At 1/2, Pacquiao is the favourite going into the weekend’s action, although due to his severe ring rust this fight may not go as he is expecting.
Does Pacquiao still have what it takes?
With the Filipino turning forty in December, it’s safe to say that his best years are behind him.
He is no longer the destroyer we all came to love and appreciate, and because of his age, he has had to adapt his game to adjust for losses in pace, strength and mobility.
In addition, Pacquiao is now without his life-long trainer Roach, bringing his preparation in to question.
However, the eight-division champion can never be ruled out. If he can suss Matthysse out early and control the tempo, then there is no doubt that Pacquiao will come out on top.
Get Pacquiao to win on points here at 17/20.
Will Matthysse’s boxing style catch Pacquiao out?
Aged 35, the Argentinian is also on his way out. There can be no excuses of age here between the two and if Matthysse utilises his power, he could cause serious problems for his opposite number. Lucas is 14/5 to win by KO or TKO.
Matthysse has shown that he is strong enough to comeback from difficult times by winning his last two bouts convincingly, but the question still beckons, will he be able to cope with Pacquiao’s expertise and experience within the ring?
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