Speed, footwork still Pacquiao’s biggest edge, says Ancajas

KUALA LUMPUR — Manny Pacquiao will have to rely on his footwork and speed to beat Lucas Matthysse in their welterweight title fight on Sunday.

That’s what rising Filipino boxing star Jerwin Ancajas thinks Pacquiao should do to be most effective against Matthysse.

“For me, sir Manny has the advantage in speed and his footwork,” said Ancajas, who is the reigning IBF super flyweight champion in Filipino.

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“The thing that he does when he circles around and pivots that what he should do against Matthysse who doesn’t move around the ring as well as sir Manny does.”

The crafty footwork and blurring hand speed have been Pacquiao’s calling card on his way to boxing’s pedestal.

Pacquiao is not the same fighter he once was when he conquered boxing from one weight class to another but Ancajas said the eight-division champion’s speed is still there.

READ: Oscar De La Hoya: Manny Pacquiao best fighter I’ve faced 

The 26-year-old Ancajas also said the probability of a knockout happening is likely early in the fight with Matthysse’s come-forward style fits perfectly with Pacquiao’s.

“I really feel that there will be a knockout in the early rounds. Something is bound to happen.”

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