Argentina’s Lucas Matthysse (L) looks at a trainer during his world welterweight boxing championship bout against Philippines’ Manny Pacquiao at Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur on July 15, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Mohd RASFAN
Gracious in defeat, Lucas Matthysse acknowledged that his fight against Manny Pacquiao was his to lose.
“Sometimes you win some, sometimes you lose some, it was my turn to lose,” said Matthysse through a translator after he lost the WBA World welterweight title Sunday at Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Matthysse (39-5) lost via technical knockout after referee Kenny Bayless stopped the fight 2:43 into the seventh round.
READ: Pacquiao: Matthysse scared of my punches
Pacquiao connected with a left uppercut that sent Matthysse to the canvas for the third time.
Matthysse, though, did not harbor any ill will after the fight and praised Pacquiao for his 60th win.
“He’s a great fighter and a great legend,” said Matthysse who dropped to 1-3 in World title fights. “I lost to a great fighter and a great legend.”
Matthysse first dropped to his back side midway through the third round after taking a couple of head shots from Pacquiao.
READ: 60th win: Pacquiao KOs Matthysse for WBA welterweight title
And in an unbelievable turn, he took to one knee five seconds left in the fifth round after absorbing a right cross to the temple.
“I lost, but I walk away with my head raised. I’m sorry to Argentina, but I’m fine. Thank you for all the love and support, and we’ll be seeing all my family and friends soon.”