Manny Pacquaio Fights Lucas Mathysse in Kuala Lumpur 2am Ghana Time
Former eight -division world champion Manny Pacquiao will this evening (Sunday morning) fight the champion Lucas Mathysse at Axiata Arena -Bukit Jalil National stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
At stake is the WBA welterweight title which the Argentinian brawler holds.
The boxing legend has in his belt (59-7 -2,39 KOs) as against Mathysse’ (39-4, 36 KO) and turns 40 by December against a much younger 35 year old Mathysse.
Earlier Pacquaio’s conditioning coach Justine Fortune told a local newspaper that
“We heard he’s having trouble making weight. He’s eight pounds over the limit. That’s good for us.
“He’s wrapped in plastic as he trains.
“If you’re over eight pounds at this time then you have a problem.” Fortune told.
But that assertion was quickly dismissed by the camp of Golden Boy Promotions.
The fight itself begins at 2am Ghana time and it’s live on ESPN. An estimated 87,000 capacity Bukit Jalil National stadium is set to be filled to the brim.
This fight will perhaps go along way to determine if Manny Pacquaio is still in the game or not.
Remember, the last time that the Philipino Senator mounted the ring was against the Australian Jeff Horn which ended in a controversial defeat to ‘Pacman’.
Early on today at the weigh-ins, Pacquaio came in at 146.7-lbs which translates to 66.2kg while the champion Mathysse tipped the scales at 146.7 which is 66.5 kg.
Dubbed the “Fight of Champions” both fighters must work extra hard to earn a victory but our money is on the former eight division champion.
MANNY PACQUAIO VICTORY FOR BOXINGGHANA.COM.
by: Samuel Ofosuhene