A new yet familiar face has been tapped to be part of Manny Pacquiao’s corner ahead of the Filipino boxing icon’s title fight against Lucas Matthysse of Argentina.
Nonito Donaire Sr., father of four-division world champion Nonito Donaire Jr., joins Pacquiao’s coaching staff which is led by his longtime trainers and closest friends Buboy Fernandez and Nonoy Neri.
“Donaire will serve as one of the assistant coaches,” said Pacquiao. “So far, so good. I am happy with my current team.”
Pacquiao began his training camp a week ago in General Santos City.
READ: ‘Inspired’ Pacquiao kicks off training camp in GenSan
The appointment of Donaire won’t be the last as Pacquiao is set to announce a strength and conditioning coach soon.
The 39-year-old Pacquiao makes his ring return on July 15 at Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia a year after dropping a controversial decision to Jeff Horn in Brisbane, Australia.
The bout promises to be a crowd pleaser given both fighters’ styles and reputation.
Matthysse, who will stake his WBA welterweight title, is a two-fisted fighter, winning 36 of his 39 victories by knockout against only four losses.