Manny Pacquiao (59-7-2, 38KO) will lock horns with Lucas Matthysse (39-4, 36KO), the WBA world welterweight champion on 14th July 2018 in Malaysia. Pacquiao stated in an interview that his next fight after Matthysse in the 147lbs division is to fight Lomachenko.
Pacquiao: “Yes of course, we are interested in that fight. Vasyl Lomachenko just beat Jorge Linares and has the title for the Lightweight belt now [which means we can fight for a title]. Why not again in America? I have always been a fighter. If a good fight can be made anywhere, we are ready to be there to accept this fight”. Added Pacquaio.
” I could take a fight with Lomachenko at 135lbs, but that will be pushing myself to my limit”
This was Pacquiao’s response after team Lomachenko made it clear who they want to fight next.
It was audibly clear that they want a super fight with no other boxer than Manny Pacquiao.
A Lomachenko – Pacquiao fight has been discussed couple of years ago. Bob Arum the promoter of both boxers says in an interview that ” Pacquiao has been talking to me a while now about fighting Lomachenko and he indeed wanted to fight Lomachenko rather than Matthysse before that fight was made, but Lomachenko’s father didn’t want to do that fight because he wanted to test Lomachenko at 135lbs first”. “He is very methodical.”retorted Arum
Arum hastily added that one thing which is difficult is advising Manny as to who to fight next. ” He does not take advice kindly maybe his age and because of his position in politics. He’s used to making decisions first.”
What is more worrying is the fact that confirming this fight now squarely rest on team Lomachenko but both men have already made their intentions known.
After Linares – Lomachenko fight was confirmed WBO President Francisco Valcarcel told Lomachenko, regardless of the results, he would have 10 days to decide whether he will return to the 130lbs division and defend his title or vacate.
Lomachenko has won titles at 3 divisions that is, featherweight, super featherweight and recently lightweight.