Pacquiao rolls back years in KO win
- by Lynn Barrett
- in Sport
- — Jul 15, 2018
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Pacquiao, who Fortune said had been initially stubborn to change his ways, acknowledged that the new training regime had paid off.
Roach has been replaced for the fight by Pacquiao's long-term friend and cornerman Buboy Fernandez and another defeat could see the veteran "National Fist" hang up his gloves for good. I'm still there. I am back in boxing, "said Pacquiao, who debunked notions that he's a washout after losing his World Boxing Organization welterweight crown to Australian Jeff Horn in Brisbane a year ago".
Pacquiao (60-7) captured the world championship from Matthysse (39-5), who was defending the title for the first time, with a seventh-round knockout.
"I'll be looking forward to more boxing matches here in Malaysia", the eight-division boxing champion said. "You have to rest and get it back and that's what I did".
Pacquiao is almost 40 years old and feels this fight will be the deciding factor on whether or not he continues to fight again.
As to what's in store for him, Pacquiao said there are many fights out there, mentioning Amir Khan, Terrence Crawford and Vasyl Lomachenko as possible opponents.
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"I think it will be a really good matchup between the two because their styles are flawless for each other but the key will be the foot speed of sir Manny".
Since losing his WBO welterweight belt to Australian underdog Jeff Horn, Pacquiao decided to make some changes to his team by leaving long time trainer Freddie Roach in favor of his best friend Buboy Fernandez, and leaving promoter Bob Arum to promote the Matthysse fight himself. "Matthysse has a lot of punching power but I don't think he's fast enough on his feet to outmaneuver sir Manny". "He hailed Pacquiao as a 'great legend" and said he will take a break after his loss.
Prime Minister Mahathir, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte and Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman attended the fight, regarded as the biggest boxing event in the country after the 1975 Muhammad Ali-Joe Burger bout at Merdeka Stadium.
It was also the 60th victory of his professional career.
"Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose". I really love to fight and bring honor to my country.
"I am feeling good", Matthysse told AFP as he was about to demolish a fruit platter for his post weigh-in meal after coming in the heavier man, just under the limit at 146.7 pounds.
