Matthysse could face Pacquiao in 2016

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Manny Pacquiao - Lucas MatthysseNext Saturday Lucas Matthysse will get a second crack at a world title when he takes on Viktor Postol.

Matthysse should have been a champion when he defeated Lamont Peterson in 2013, but Peterson’s title was not on the line. His first shot at a world title came against Danny Garcia in the same year, but Matthysse lost a decision to Garcia.

His promoter Oscar De La Hoya made a visit to Argentina to see his fighter.

“I admire Lucas a lot, and I’ve visited him twice already because I admire him,” De La Hoya said.

De La Hoya told the media on hand that his first visit to Argentina was before the Matthysse-Provodnikov fight earlier this year and De La Hoya says he will return.

“And I will return after October 3rd to celebrate the world title that will be won by ‘The Machine.‘”

But De La Hoya knows Postol is no easy customer although he favors his fighter to win the fight.

“Postol is a fighter who comes to box more than fight, but when the bell rings, if Postol feels Lucas’ hands on him maybe he’ll resort to fighting,” said Oscar.

“But Lucas knows how to cut off the ring and make adjustments. It will be a tough fight but we’re confident Lucas can do his work as a fighter.”

When Matthysse defeated Lamont Peterson, De La Hoya’s former right-hand man Richard Schaefer dubbed him the new Manny Pacquiao.

Those talks halted after the Garcia loss. Should Matthysse be victorious, he is on a short list of five that Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum is considering for a fight with Pacquiao next year.

“There is a guy who manages Manny Pacquiao, and I am already in conversations with this gentleman to make a fight between Pacquiao and Matthysse,” said De La Hoya.

“It could be a complicated fight, but that’s why Lucas is preparing so well. He has some great sparring partners to work with and he’ll be ready.”