Lucas Matthysse’s coach Joel Diaz knows a thing or two about Manny Pacquiao having faced him in the past whilst coaching Tim Bradley.

Granted, that Pacquiao was much closer to his prime than the one of today but nonetheless, Diaz knows they are up against it this weekend against one of the best fighters of his particular generation.

Speaking in an open media scrum with members of the press in The Philippines, Diaz said:

“Having to put my work into a fight to face Manny Pacquiao is an honor. I know it’s a tough task. It’s my third time. My third time in having to create a strategy to beat Manny Pacquiao. Lucas Matthysse makes it easier for me because he’s my style of fighter. I’m just happy we’re here. It motivates Lucas, it motivates me and my team because it’s a tough challenge.”

He added:

“We’re motivated by the fact we’re into a tough fight because Manny Pacquiao is not an easy fighter to face. He brings a lot of energy, a lot of tension. It’s just tough. It’s everybody’s dream to beat Manny Pacquiao.”

The fight takes place this Saturday in Malaysia live on ESPN+ in the US and on BoxNation in the UK.