By Elisinio Castillo
WBA 'regular' welterweight world champion Lucas Matthysse (39-4, 36 KOs) is already training hard for a scheduled showdown with eight division beltholder Manny Pacquiao (59-7-2, 38 KOs).
He believes this contest will be the last nail in the coffin of the Filipino star's career.
Pacquiao is coming off a twelve round decision loss to Jeff Horn from last July at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.
At 39 years old, Pacquiao is at the tail-end of his career and many believe he should have already retired.
The majority of Pacquiao's past opponents - including recent foes like Timothy Bradley - have already retired from the sport.
"It's going to be a very good fight, because there is a world title at stake and because winning it will open a lot of doors. It is an opportunity that I can not let go. He is in his last stage as a fighter and he's coming off a loss, so he is also in need of a win. I have faith that I can beat him. His good moment is over, now it's my turn," Matthysse said to Tomas Arribas.
Beyond Pacquiao, Matthysse admits that he's already got his sights set on the fight he wants most - a rematch with Danny Garcia, who won a twelve round decision over the Argentine puncher back in 2013 in Las Vegas.
"The reality is that after beating Kiram I wanted the rematch with Garcia, the fight that I had been looking for for some time. But then conversations and negotiations began to fight with Pacquiao and here we are. It will be incredible. In any case, my pursuit for the rematch with Garcia will continue; I still have the thorn of that loss in my side. Likewise, everything is based on results. Winning will assure me, at least, two or three more good fights. Losing is the possibility of retirement," Matthysse said.