Philippine senator and boxing hero Manny Pacquiao, left, and Argentine WBA welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse pose for photographers during a press conference in Manila, Philippines on Wednesday, April 18, 2018. The two are scheduled to fight on July 15, in a World Boxing Association welterweight title fight in Malaysia. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Manny Pacquiao stepped up his training sessions in General Santos City amid reports that his title fight against Lucas Matthysse is headed for postponement or worse, cancellation.
The “Fight of Champions” on July 15 at Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, will have the eight-division world champion challenging Matthysse for the World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight crown.
Matthysse, who has knocked out 36 of 39 opponents, has been saying he will bring back to Argentina the WBA crown that he won in January when he knocked out Thai Tewa Kiram in the eighth round.
He is also determined to send Pacquiao into retirement.
“It’s good to be back,” Pacquiao told supporters after sparring for 10 rounds on Thursday afternoon at Wild Card Gym.
Pacquiao, with a record of 59 wins (38 by knockouts) and 7 losses, added he is concentrating on his preparations and has delegated management of his MP Promotions, the lead promoter of the bout, to his trusted lieutenants.
“Everything is fine,” said Pacquiao, responding to rumors that the fight may be postponed or canceled. “Lucas Matthysse and I are getting ready to give the fans their money’s worth.”
MP marketing and sales head Arnold Vegafria echoed Pacquiao’s sentiments.
“The fight is going on as planned,” said Vegafria.