It’s official: De La Hoya confirms Pacquiao-Matthysse fight in Kuala Lumpur

Boxing champ Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao. PHOTO: Facebook / Manny Pacquiao
Boxing champ Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao. PHOTO: Facebook / Manny Pacquiao

In a tweet earlier today, former boxer and now boxing promoter Oscar De La Hoya settled any doubts about the upcoming fight between Manny Pacquiao and Argentina’s Lucas Matthysse and said that yes, it’s happening.

“Signed, sealed, and delivered: Proud to officially announced that WBA welterweight world champion @MatthysseLucas will put his title on the line against @mannypacquiao in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Saturday night July 14 (US time),” De La Hoya said.

De La Hoya is the is the founder of Golden Boy Productions, which is co-promoting the event with Pacquiao’s MP Promotions.

News of the fight in Kuala Lumpur first came out early last month after Pacquiao’s camp announced it in a statement.

However, some doubted if it will push through because the boxer’s long-time promoter Bob Arum, who is not involved in this event, told ESPN.com that finances were still being sorted out and that they’re still “waiting for the first deposit for the fight to happen.”

Golden Boy Promotions, which represents Matthysse also said at the time that plans for the fight were “very preliminary.”

Fast forward to today and doubters are eating their words.

Pacquiao also confirmed the fight on Twitter and said: “It’s on! Can’t wait to challenge Lucas Matthysse for another world title on July 15 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – July 14, US time #Pacmanisback.”

https://twitter.com/mannypacquiao/status/980969879338565637

Pacquiao started training for the fight last month but notably missing from his training schedule is any mention of his long-time trainer Freddie Roach, who helped him win eight world titles in eight weight classes.

In February, Roach told the Los Angeles Times that Pacquiao has not been returning his calls.

“I usually leave him alone until I hear from him, but I’ve called him five times and haven’t heard back,” Roach said. “Maybe he changed his number.”

According to Philboxing.com, Pacquiao’s training will instead be headed by his childhood friend Restituto “Buboy” Fernandez.

 



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