Lucas Matthysse: I’m taking my belt back home with me

Lucas Matthysse has the chance of a lifetime this Saturday in Kuala Lumpur, when he faces eight-division champion and living legend Manny Pacquiao for Matthysse’s WBA “world” welterweight title.

Matthysse (39-4, 36 KO) is the underdog in the fight, has his naysayers, and the Pacquiao camp say they think he’ll go down within a few rounds. But Matthysse, 35, is staying positive, and says he’s going home with a win and his belt:

“I have a positive mentality. I prepared myself really, really well. My goal is to go home with a win. … They can think whatever they want. I had great preparation. I’m here with my belt and I’m taking it back home with me.”

A win over even a faded version of Pacquiao (59-7-2, 38 KO) would be a career-best for Matthysse, and certainly the biggest notch on his belt, no question about that. I’ve said I think he’s very dangerous against an aging, potentially half-in, half-out Manny, and I stand by that.

But there is still a reason that Pacquiao is the favorite here, and a Matthysse win would no doubt be an upset. Can he do it?