Manny Pacquiao turns back the Clock to stop Matthysse
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (July 15, 2018)- It was a return that had all the hallmarks of a megastar nearing the end of a storied career. Like a scene from Rocky, Manny Pacquiao (60-7 39KO’s) returned to the ring at 39 years old to face the once feared puncher Lucas Matthysse (39-5 36KO’s).
From the opening round Pacquiao’s speed advantage was obvious, a slow moving and clumsy looking Matthysse never looked comfortable in the ring as he tried to time a big right hand that never materialized.
Even with obviously diminished physical ability, Pacquiao was still leaps and bounds above Matthysse, dropping him in the third round with a left uppercut. Pacquiao got into his groove against a Matthysse that had no answers for the barrage of punches from all angles.
Manny Pacquiao lands a jab on Lucas Matthysse Photo: Reuters
After a right hand to the temple, on a delayed reaction a dejected looking Matthysse took a knee in the fifth round. Immediately twitter lit up with negative comments about the intestinal fortitude of the Argentinian fighter.
After being scolded by trainer Joel Diaz, Matthysse tried to find a home for his right hand with no success until another uppercut from Pacquiao put him down in the seventh. Referee Kenny Bayless had seen enough after looking into the beaten face of a Matthysse that understood winning, was not in the cards.
The end came at 2:43 of the seventh round as the crowd in Malaysia went insane for the Filipino hero.
Manny Pacquiao Beats Matthysse. Photo: Reuters
“I was surprised because Matthysse is a very tough opponent and I knocked him down,” said Manny Pacquiao. “So that’s a bonus from being focused and patient in the fight and working hard in training camp. We [my team] did a good job in training. We controlled ourselves during training. It was a heavy training. Thanks to all my team for working hard for this fight.”
Matthysse, who has teared up after plenty of fights looked at peace with the loss. “Fighting Manny Pacquiao [is the most difficult part about fighting Pacquiao],” said Lucas Matthysse. “He’s a great fighter. He’s a great champion. You win some, and you lose some. Today was my turn to lose, but I lost to a great fighter and a great legend in Manny Pacquiao. First I would like to rest and go back home. The hard work has been done. The fight has taken place. 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.”
The win will undoubtedly push the icon Pacquiao into another fight against a younger, better opponent for bigger money.
Tonight a good fighter discovered he should probably retire.
After all the talk, and all the criticism.
Fans of Manny Pacquiao, are happy it was Lucas Matthysse.
