Matthysse's Trainer on Provodnikov, Golden Boy Extension

By Ben Jacobs

Following Friday's earlier announcement that Argentine power-puncher Lucas Matthysse (36-3, 34 KOs) had renewed his contract with Golden Boy Promotions, BoxingScene spoke via telephone with Matthysse's long time trainer, Luis 'Cuty' Barrera, for his reaction and any update on their next opponent.

"Lucas is very happy with the new Golden Boy contract, we're all happy. He's been training for about a month and a half now, we're just waiting for a fight to be confirmed and to know when it is. He's weighing around 65kg (143.1lbs), so you can imagine the shape he's in already. Once Golden Boy gives us a date we will up the training to prepare. But he is already sparring and looking good."

Rumours have been surging on social media sites over the past few days about who could next face Matthysse on the other side of the ring. Barrera explained that Lucas is willing to fight anyone but the preference is for a world title to be at stake.

"The more difficult the rival, the better it is for Lucas, he wants his opponents to come at him. I hope the next opponent comes out to attack Lucas just like the Mexican [Roberto Ortíz] did.

"We want to fight for the world title with whoever has the belt. Let's hope there will be a world title on the line in the next fight.

"We'd love to fight Pacquiao, he's a great champion and we'd take pride in fighting him. If it's Provodnikov, great, we just want it to be for a world title."