Pacquiao, Matthysse predict action-packed welterweight title fight

Manny Pacquiao predicted on Thursday an entertaining bout against Lucas Matthysse at their World Boxing Organisation welterweight title fight on Sunday.

Pacquiao told reporters here that he had chosen to fight Matthysse because of the latter's aggressive style and as such he expects a "lot of action," reports Efe.

"I believe we can create good action in the ring so the fans will be happy", Pacquiao said.

Matthysse, meanwhile, lauded Pacquiao as a "great champion", but was unconcerned with the Philippines senator's future beyond Sunday.

"If he decides to retire after I beat him, then that is his decision. I am here to defend my title", the Argentine said.

The winner of nine world titles in eight different weight categories, the 39-year-old Filipino will return to the ring on Sunday, one year after he surprisingly failed to capture the World Boxing Organization welterweight title against Australia's Jeff Horn.

Matthysse, 35, from Argentina, who holds a record of 39-4 (39 KO) took home the welterweight title in January at the Forum in Inglewood, Los Angeles, after knocking Thailand's Tewa Kiram down twice in the eighth round.

Pacquiao, chasing the 60th victory of his illustrious career, arrived in the Malaysian capital on July 10, sharing video clips of his final training preparations ahead of the bout, which could prove to be his last.

--IANS

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