It came as no surprise that Lucas Matthysse opened up the discussion by telling everyone there that he was definitely taking his upcoming fight with Danny Garcia seriously. He would worry later on about any upcoming fight that might come his way, but Garcia was first and foremost on his mind.

Matthysse has no animosity toward Danny with regard to how long it took to make this fight.

“Yeah, I was a little disappointed that it took so long,” he said, “but I’m happy it finally got settled, and on the 14th we’re gonna meet each other up in the ring.”

Lucas was asked if he felt Danny’s style suited him. “Yes, definitely, I feel that his style suits me. He’s a fighter that’s aggressive and comes forward just like I do and I like that. I think we’re gonna beat each other up.”

As far as all the hype and pressure that is being put on this bout, and the fact that it could break records, Matthysse said, “It’s an honor to me, to fight on this big stage. I know there’s a lot of interest in this fight, and I’m just happy. The people are going to be able to see my style of fighting.”

As far as why Lucas is in California now, and what his plans are for the next couple of weeks leading up to his fight in Vegas, he responded, “Mainly to adjust to the climate. There are about 20, 25 days until the fight. I’m gonna finish up my sparring here, it’s the last stage of training, and just get used to the difference in the climate. I’m training in Palm Springs, and it’s very similar to Las Vegas.”

He was asked his view of the Mayweather / Canelo fight, and the celebrity status that he is facing right now. “The fight with Mayweather and Canelo is obviously a big fight; it’s a very, very important fight. As far as a celebrity, it feels good. It’s an honor to be in this position and I feel very, very good and gracious for all this attention I’m getting.

“But I’ve felt good from the first time I came to the United States; I’ve had a lot of support. I’m starting to get used to all the attention; I’m just starting to get used to it. But I’m a little surprised at all the people who have started following me, all the Latin people come up and give me love and support, and it feels great.
 

“Obviously we’re going through a good moment right now. All we do is train hard and use our hearts in training and in our fight. It’s an honor to be fighting in this era, and what’s going on with the Argentinean boxing – for awhile now there’s been very good boxing.” He commented on the two fights that he lost. “You know, those two fights that I lost was a learning experience – I learned from those fights. Yes, and obviously I come out a little faster now, not just because of that, but because of my preparation. I have a little different preparation.” And what does Lucas think about the mind games that some fighters play? “It doesn’t bother me, it shows that they’re worried,” he said. “That’s why they’re talking so much. Matthysse was asked what the difference was from the kid from a small town to now, 10 years later. “I grew, mentally and physically, and I learned from the fights. And not just from the fights, I learned from watching and I gained experience, and that’s the difference.”

But Lucas was quick to say that he did not want to fight Marcos Maidana at home in Argentina. “No, I want to fight here, I want bigger things here. I mean, some day I would like to go back and fight in Argentina, just not right now.”

He also had a funny thing to say about the fight between Maidana and Adrien Broner. “Broner’s gonna feel Maidana’s punches, and they’re gonna hurt!”

What worries Matthysse the most about Danny Garcia? “Nothing worries me. I train very hard and I’m ready for anything. I’m not ready for 12 rounds, I’m ready for 15. I’m very well prepared and that’s what gives me confidence. Hopefully he comes forward to me, but it doesn’t really matter. I have a feeling that we’re both going to be aggressive and it’s going to be a great fight.

“I think I can take his punches. I’ve been hit before, and you’ve got to be in good condition. If Danny drops me, I’m gonna get up! This is the fight of my life, and I’m gonna take advantage of it.”

Lucas explained why he did not want to go to Philadelphia. “It was going to interfere with my preparation, that’s basically it. My preparation is very important.”

He was asked about his nickname, The Machine. His response? “If you guys like it, then I’m fine with it.”

It was mentioned that a lot of talk is about his power, but what other qualities does he have? “Well, I know how to box very well also, but most of my opponents run from me, so most of the time you don’t see it. It’s not my fault. But I can box.”

His last few fights have ended with early knockouts, and Lucas was asked how he felt about that. “It’s given me a lot of confidence, being able to finish my fights early. I don’t train that way. I train to box and go the rounds I’m supposed to go. I don’t look for the knockout, it just comes, and it’s given me a great deal of confidence.”

Don’t miss this fight – it just might steal the show!