Matthysse ready for Postol test in light-welterweight title clash

After previously committing his long-term future to Golden Boy promotions, hard-hitting Argentine fighter Lucas Matthysse is aiming to neutralise the towering threat of Viktor Postol in the light-welterweight pair’s anticipated encounter at the StubHub Center in California, with a vacant WBC title up for grabs.

The 33-year-old impressively dispatched Russian competitor Ruslan Provodnikov over 12 rounds in April, his third successive victory since being overcome by Danny Garcia at the back-end of 2013, and ‘the Machine’ is odds-on 8/15 with Coral to continue his rampant ring streak by outgunning imposing Ukrainian opponent Postol and lifting that WBC crown.

Matthysse (37-3) is a joy to behold in the ring, with his aggressive and ruthless approach potentially set to cause Freddie Roach’s promising puncher plenty of problems, and the devastating South American is confident of toppling Postol, who holds a significant height advantage for their match-up.

“I’m very happy to finally be fighting again for the world championship,” Matthysse stated. “I’m very excited, and I’m ready for Victor Postol on October 3.

“The most important thing is for me to go into the fight prepared and be in top physical condition. I’ve been able to do those things in this camp, and I feel very comfortable for the fight.”

It’s rare for boxers to let their opponents dictate proceedings in the ring, with strategies for each bout usually being prepared with coaches for weeks or months in advance, but Matthysse opts for a different approach, claiming he assesses his foes on fight night and works from there.

“I don’t know what kind of fight it will be yet or what strategy I’ll use, because it all depends on what my opponent does,” continued the Argentine, regarding his unorthodox schemes. “If he comes out boxing, I will box. If he wants to brawl, I will brawl. I’m prepared to do both.

“I have had a lot of tough fights, and I’m happy to have had them because they were against some of the best fighters in the division. That’s what I want to do. I want to fight the best fighters so I can prove I’m the best. I’ve learned from each fight, and in each one I’ve taken away something new that has helped me become a better fighter.

“My prediction is what it always is – to win. But also I want to give fans a great fight, one that they can enjoy.”

Matthysse has been involved in some of the most entertaining fights in recent years, but standing at 5ft 6in, one of ‘La Maquina’s’ main tasks in the early hours of Sunday morning will be dealing with the major height difference. Postol possesses a threatening long reach and a 5ft 11in frame, with his swift jabs and right hands a danger to his counterpart, making him 6/4 to extend his unbeaten record (27-0).

“Ive seen all his [Postol’s] fights that are on the internet. He is very tall for the weight class,” added Matthysse. “From what I can see he is a normal fighter.

“He’s going to try and keep me at distance because he’s tall and rangy, but he’s going to feel the power of my punches.”

Undefeated Postol is still mostly an unknown commodity in America, having spent the majority of his career competing in Ukraine, but his reputation could rocket with another astute performance in California, though Matthysse is already looking ahead to future contests at 147 pounds, a possible oversight which could cost him a fourth career defeat.

“Postol is number one. I want to win the title and make a few defences, and then move up to 147 because that’s where everyone is at right now,” added Matthysse. “I would love to have a big fight. Manny Pacquiao has mentioned me many times as a possibility. I hope that happens. I would be great for me to face such a great fighter.”

Watch Matthysse training vigorously for his upcoming bout against Postol on American soil, showcasing his vicious power during pad-work.