Lucas Matthysse is staying grounded and focused on the task ahead of him this weekend when he takes on boxing royalty in the form of Manny Pacquiao.

The Filipino boxer has transcended the sport in his home country having become an elected Congressman and a recording artist among other talents outside of boxing.

They say that crime stops in the Philippines when Pacquiao fights and that out of any country on Earth, he is the most adored by his home nation more so than any other athlete anywhere else in the world.

Argentina’s big hitting Matthysse is not getting carried away with the star of Pacquiao however, telling television reporters in the Philippines earlier today:

“In that ring it’s just me and Manny, not the President. I have a positive mentality. I prepared myself really well. My goal is to end up with the win.”

Indeed, besides the WBA welterweight ‘Regular’ title all is to play for this weekend, the winner will likely to land a big fight against the likes of Amir Khan or possibly even Terence Crawford later in the year.

Two aging warriors but still enough explosive punching power in both of their arsenals to make this weekend an entertaining bout.