Despite bearing the championship belt, Lucas Matthysse knows he is coming into his world welterweight title defense against Manny Pacquiao as the underdog.

But the Argentine fighter doesn’t mind at all.

“Obviously he’s still a great fighter. But since he got knocked out by (Juan Manuel) Marquez (in 2012), I think he’s not the same fighter anymore,” Matthysse said in a press conference at City of Dreams in Paranaque announcing their July 15 fight.

“He’s not in his prime anymore but he’s still a great fighter.”

Matthysse's manager, Mario Agano, was more pointed with his expectations of the fight in Kuala Lumpur.

“We’re not going to Malaysia to give up the title. Yes, we’re up against one of the greatest, but Pacquiao’s time is over,” Agano said.

“This is Matthysse’s time. We’re going to win the fight.”

Matthysse relishes the chance sharing the ring with Pacquiao

“A chance to fight him is an honor,” he said.

“He’s won a lot of titles. I only got one. I’m not letting go of it.”

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