Pacquiao Coach Leans Towards Argentinian as Next Opponent for Fighting Senator

While his next opponent is yet to be announced, 8-division boxing world champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (59-7-2, 38 KO’s) is already considering quite a few names on the block. Among the names are former title challenger Mike Alvarado, junior welterweight contender Terence Crawford, and newly crowned WBA welterweight champion Lucas “The Machine” Matthysse of Argentina.

Pacquiao’s assistant coach Marvin Somodio believes Pacquiao should fight Matthysse next. The Filipino fighting senator hasn’t fought since a July 2017 loss to little-known Australian Jeff Horn, wherein he succumbed via unanimous decision and had to give up his WBO World Welterweight Title.

Somodio feels as though Matthysse would be a perfect opponent for the 39-year-old Pacquiao as the former is known as a no-nonsense brawler and will definitely come to fight. The 34-year-old Somodio is thankful for his time with Pacquiao over the years.

“It’s a blessing that in our lifetime, Manny came along,” said Somodio in an interview with Philboxing’s Joaquin Henson.

“I was given a chance by Manny and Freddie to assist in his corner against Brandon Rios in Macau and it was an experience I’ll never forget. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to work with Freddie and Manny.”

Somodio also chimed in on new Filipino boxing sensation Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas, who made a successful US mainland TV debut last week against Mexican opponent Israel Gonzalez whom he stopped via 10th round knockout.

“Jerwin has a lot of power,” Somodio said.

“His humility reminds me a lot of Manny. Some of his moves are like Manny’s. When the referee stopped the fight and Gonzalez was still down, Jerwin went to console him. In Las Vegas, he wouldn’t have been able to approach Gonzalez because nobody’s supposed to come close to a fighter who just got knocked out except the doctor. Manny used to do that, too but couldn’t do it anymore when Las Vegas tightened up on controls.”