Before Mayweather takes on Saul Alvarez on Saturday, The Machine is set to take on undefeated Danny Garcia in the co-main event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
"The One" is expected to surpass two million pay-per-view buys and will showcase Matthysse on the biggest stage of his career.
"After finally getting this fight with Danny I have become more recognized," Matthysse said thorugh his translator. "This fight will be for me, but it will also be for my team and for Argentina. I feel real good, I feel strong, we've been working really hard."
Matthysse is on the cusp of becoming a houshold name, he has a style that pleases the crowd, not to mention he rarely loses. Matthysse (34-2, 32 knockouts) last tasted defeat in a split decision loss to Devon Alexander two years ago. The only other blemish on the 30-year-old's record is a split decision loss to Zab Judah. Both decisions are controversial, but Matthysse said he has taken those defeats as learning experiences.
Matthysse has been training at the Boys and Girls Club of Coachella Valley, the same gym that produced WBO welterweight champion Tim Bradley. Matthysse said he decided to come to California's desert in order to adjust to the climate.
The two fighters, currently under rival promotion banners, recently sparred in preperation for their upcomming bouts .
"It was good sparring with Bradley, it was real good," Matthysse said. "Sparring with Bradley has helped me, but it was mutual, we both helped each other."
Matthysse praised Bradley's speed and experience and feels he's helped him prepare for his October showdown with Juan Manuel Marquez. Bradley's trainer Joell Diaz agreed with the Argentine, and said they were both out to help each other and not out to hurt each other.
A win against Garcia (26-0, 16 KOs) will not just help the Matthysse brand, but will also set him up for a potential clash with Mayweather.
"I look to move up to 147. I would like to fight (Mayweather), I feel I match up pretty good against him," Matthysse said.
Although he would like to face the pound-for-pound king, Matthysse said he is certainly not looking passed Garcia. Matthysse looks to stick to his plan to defeat Garcia and will not pay much attention to Angel Garcia's crazy antics. Matthysse feels all the talking from the Garcia camp shows that they are worried.
- Jose
