There was one report on Thursday which claimed the legendary Manny Pacquiao wanted to show the world “a New Manny Pacquiao.”
It won’t be a simple comeback, after Pacquiao dropped his world welterweight crown in Brisbane where he suffered a hideous controversial defeat last year.
“I am motivated, I am happy, I am hungry, I am excited to show the world a new Manny Pacquiao on July 15 here in Kuala Lumpur,” Pacquiao told BoxingScene.com.
Wouldn’t that be equal to magic: Turning plain recycling into full-fledged regal resurrection?
“Just watch me,” Pacquiao remarked.
Prior to that, the best that his handlers could promise was a younger Pacquiao come fight time at Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.
Pacquiao, 39, was tagged a slight favorite at the start of the week to dethrone WBA welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse of Argentina.
Matthysse, 35, has refused to be shaken by Paquiao’s stunning claim. He quietly vowed to return to Buenos Aires with his crown and pride intact.
Joel Diaz, Matthysse’s chief handler, yesterday called the Fight of Champions a 50-50 bout.
Other than quickness, Pacquiao said he would throw many left and right punches, coupled with head movement.
It goes without saying defensive adjustments will be very crucial in the championship.
If there’s anything truly new in Pacquiao, it should be this heady effort to avoid being hit by a killer punch.
No word on what defensive plot Matthysse plans to utilize, if he has any.
Pacquiao and Matthysse wage war with distinctly different weaponry, a rapid-shot firearm versus a torpedo.
Legendary Oscar De La Hoya, in Kuala Lumpur to help sell the big fight, says it could either be Matthysse by knockout or Pacquiao by decision.
Golden Boy calls the fight a tossup.