Lucas Matthysse saw his dream fight against Manny Pacquiao practically vanish when he lost to Ukrainian boxer Viktor Postol recently, with many crossing him out of the mix of possible opponents for Pacquiao's 2016 fight.
But now, it seems that the camp of Pacquiao is singing a different tune and is reportedly pushing through with the original plans despite the debacle that saw the Argentine brawler lose in the tenth round by knockout (KO).
The choice, if true, does seem a bit off, considering that Pacquiao had several names on his list of potential opponents. Such included Amir Khan, Terence Crawford, and Timothy Bradley Jr.
The only iteration was Matthysse. With word that both camps are now currently in talks even after that loss, criticisms are expected to pour in.
Although Pacquiao is expected to announce his opponent either in November or December, the sudden insertion of Matthysse brings a lot of things in mind. Is the Filipino boxing icon taking it easy in what is believed to be the last match of his career?
With no disrespect meant for Matthysse, the recent development does to come as a surprise. Had his loss been via decision after showing an impressive performance, then perhaps giving him a shot despite losing would have been easier.
But the fact is the guy lost via KO and yet, he is being given a fight against one of the best pound-for-pound kings in the middleweight division.
Even though all of these are rumors for now, expect a howl coming from boxing critics and fans on this choice, probably in the same way that Mayweather got his share when he opted to fight Andre Berto instead of Amir Khan.
Pacquiao and company will still be keeping close watch on Crawford and Bradley, though, so it may be best to save some reservations on whom the senate-bound Pacquiao will really fight in 2016.
