Pacquiao regained confidence in Matthysse fight —analyst

New World Boxing Association welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao regained the confidence he had in his youth in his successful technical knockout victory against Lucas Matthysse on Sunday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, an analyst said on Monday.

"Nakuha na muli ni Pacquiao 'yung kanyang confidence," lawyer Danrex Tapdasan said on Monday on Unang Balita. "Napakalaking bagay itong knockout win ni Manny Pacquiao."

The fighting senator's win against Matthysse is his first stoppage win since 2009, improving his record to 60 wins, seven losses, and two draws.

Tapdasan said the knockout was also significant for casual fans who only watch boxing when Manny Pacquiao is in the card.

"Itong knockout win e nakaka-excite doon sa casual fans. Sila 'yung maraming manonood ng boxing na parang hindi naman sila purist na kagaya namin, kagaya ng pure boxing fans," he explained.

"Pero sila, marami. Tataas na naman 'yung popularity ni Pacquiao because of the knockout win. 'Yun ang impact nun, not only for diehard boxing fans, pero 'yung casual boxing fans," Tapdasan added.

He said Coach Buboy Fernandez' different coaching style and close links with Pacquiao helped the champion adjust his training to account for his age, allowing him to show up to the fight refreshed.

"Hindi siya nahihiyang sabihin kung ano 'yung nararamdaman niya. Honest sila sa isa't-isa. Kababata nga niya. 'Yun ang nagbigay (ng) guide. Hindi na-burn out 'yung katawan ni Manny Pacquiao sa training," Tapdasan said.

But the knockout also had something to do with Matthysse's style, which Tapdasan noted was tailor-made for a knockout fight.

"It takes two to tango," the analyst said. "Kung ang estilo e iwas din, tumatakbo, gumagalaw at naghihintay ng parang counter-puncher, talagang hindi mana-knockout ni Manny Pacquiao diyan."

For the senator, his "convincing win" was proof that he can still go on with his career at 39, defying critics who believe it's time for the boxer-senator to retire.

"Like I said, I'm not gone [from boxing]. I'm still there. It's just a matter of time to take rest and then get it back ," he said. —Rie Takumi/KG, GMA News