KUALA LUMPUR – Manny Pacquiao’s vaunted punching prowess was once again on display against Lucas Matthysse on Sunday in their world title fight at the Axiata Arena here.
At 39, Pacquiao showed he can still be lethal fighter after throwing a total of 344 punches and landing 95 against his completely outclassed opponent from Argentina.
That gave the Filipino southpaw 28 percent punching accuracy on the way to winning the World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight crown.
“I know he cannot handle my punches,” said Pacquiao during the post-fight interview. “Every punches that I throw, I know he’s hurt. He’s scared of my punches.”
In contrast, Matthysse only landed 57 of the total 246 punches thrown for a 23 percent accuracy.
But Pacquiao disclosed the dethroned champion has a very lethal right hand despite failing to get going amid the pressure applied on him by the Pacman.
“Matthysse has power. As a fighter you cannot underestimate his right hand and his uppercut. He (really) has power,” said Pacquiao, who sported a little welt just under his right eye.
Pacquiao knocked Matthysse down twide before finishing him off with a short uppercut at the 2:43 mark of the seventh round as referee Kenny Bayless wisely waved off the fight.
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