Kuala Lumpur: The presence of his entire family in Kuala Lumpur has given Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao a shot in the arm in his bid to win the World Boxing Association (WBA) (Regular) welterweight title this weekend.Pacquiao is looking to snatch the coveted title from Argentine boxer Lucas Matthysse, at the Axiata Arena, KL Sports City Bukit Jalil, on Sunday.
"I am happy with the fans here, but the most important thing is my family has come to Malaysia to give support and cheer for me. It gives me strength and more confidence to overcome Matthysse.
"It is an advantage for me to have a lot of fans watching the fight but I don't want to take it lightly.
I have to make sure I'm 100 per cent focused and do my best," he said, adding that the word 'lose' had never come across his mind.
The 39-year-old affectionately known by fans as the 'Pacman' is the only eight-division world champion in the history of the sport with a record of 59 wins (38 KOs), seven losses and two draws.
Meanwhile, Matthysse admitted he already felt at home in Kuala Lumpur since his arrival from the United States last Thursday.
"It is just a few more days before the fight. I feel so relaxed, I'm good and ready.
I've adapted to the time here now, along with proper rest and training, everything is good.
"I've been preparing myself for the fight and I feel Malaysia is like my home.
I'm happy to be here and ready for this fight. I'm 100 per cent confident of retaining my belt," he said.
The 35-year-old boxer, who is better known as 'The Machine' for his aggressive punches, has 39 wins (36 knockouts) and four defeats in his career.
Matthysse claimed the welterweight title in January after defeating Thailand's Tewa Kiram. – Bernama
