Can Mr. Matthysse honestly spell defense?

Argentine WBA welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse answers questions from reporters during a press conference in Manila, Philippines on Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Matthysee will fight against Philippine senator and boxing hero Manny Pacquiao on July 15 in a WBA welterweight title fight in Malaysia. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

For a first warning, veteran promoter Bob Arum said WBA world welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse would be a very dangerous opponent.

Matthysse, as everyone must know by now, makes a first defense of his WBA championship against Filipino national treasure Manny Pacquiao on July 15 in Kuala Lumpur.

When Matthysse showed up recently in Manila for a press conference that formally launched his title battle against Pacquiao, he appeared more like a harmless altar boy. He was calm and collected, handsome in a hemp Barong Tagalog.

Pacquiao, on the other hand, showed up for the traditional staredown very firm, solid and robust. He beamed proudly in a dark diplomatic suit.

Maybe it was not the faded 39-year-old warrior Matthysse had thought he would meet after his tiring 30-hour trip from Buenos Aires?

Matthysse, 35, readily strutted up and declared he would be ready to die defending his title.

Pacquiao and Matthysse next flew to Kuala Lumpur to promote their bout called “Battle of Champions.”

Pacquiao made routine announcements, like how he would train longer, harder to be in perfect form.

Matthysse said he would train twice as hard. He also stressed he would surely knock out and retire Pacquiao.

Meanwhile, Arum would next be overheard flashing a red alert.

The grizzled 86-year-old matchmaker warned that Matthysse “hits as hard as a truck.”

It’s both odd and alarming but practically everybody who cares about boxing hereabouts would next manifest apprehension over Pacquiao’s chances against Matthysse.

These same people were one in wondering whether Pacquiao, after a yearlong layoff, could survive the hammer-fisted Argentine, who won his world crown with another stoppage only last January.

Prominently noted was Matthysse’s astounding record that has seen him knock out 36 of his 39 victims.

The common question would be, “Kaya ba talaga ni Manny si Matthysse? (Can Manny really handle Matthysse?”)

For his part, Pacquiao would not say much. All he had stressed was that he chose Matthysse because the WBA champion really loves to charge in, fight and rumble, without stepping back.

Pacquiao also promised a very thrilling bout for everyone.

He has, so far, refused to discuss Matthysse’s defense, perceived to be both patchy and loose.