Pacquiao plans ‘to finish the fight early’ vs Matthysse

Philippine senator and boxing hero Manny Pacquiao poses after weigh-in in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Saturday, July 14, 2018. Matthysse and Pacquiao are scheduled to fight on July 15, for the World Boxing Association welterweight title in Malaysia. (AP Photo/Yam G-Jun)

KUALA LUMPUR — There was no beating around the bush for Manny Pacquiao as far as his plans against Lucas Matthysse on Sunday is concerned.

Pacquiao said he doesn’t intend to go the distance with Matthysse, unlike 12 of his last 13 fights.

“Our plan is to move side-to-side, throw a lot of punches and of course, if given a chance, finish the fight early,” said Pacquiao after the official weigh-in at Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre here.

The 39-year-old Pacquiao won’t force anything but he is determined to finally end his knockout drought that started in March 2010 against Antonio Margarito.

Part of Pacquiao’s plan vs Matthysse is “to finish the fight early.” #PacquiaoMatthysse | @MarkGiongcoINQ pic.twitter.com/tiO4pTyMBt

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) July 14, 2018

The last opponent who didn’t last long against Pacquiao was Miguel Cotto, who was stopped 55 seconds into the 12th round.

The eight-division champion is gunning for his 60th win and 12th title overall against Matthysse, who is defending his WBA welterweight title for the first time.

Beating the Argentine champion, however, won’t be an easy task for Pacquiao.

Matthysse possesses knockout power in either hand with the record to back it up as 36 out of 39 fights have ended in KOs.