Keys for Lucas Matthysse
Start Early and Make it Ugly
Technical expertise will probably be left for Mayweather and Canelo to use in the main event, so it is without surprise that Matthysse’s first key to victory is to make the fight ugly as soon as possible.
Matthysse will have to move forward, using head movement while keeping his hands up, to prevent Garcia from finding his rhythm. Matthysse’s best chance of landing powerful punches is in the early rounds before his power begins to diminish.
Garcia, unlike Matthysse, is comfortable fighting into the later rounds, with two of his fights going into the 10th Round and three going into the 12th round. Garcia’s technique is not outstanding, but his boxing will give him the advantage as the rounds progress.
Time Garcia’s Punches
As we saw in Garcia’s fight with Erik Morales, Garcia is an easy target for the counter right hand. He is also susceptible to short punches at close range.
Morales was not able to damage Garcia because of his deteriorating abilities, but Matthysse certainly will. Matthysse has demonstrated that he has a powerful counter right hand and that he can adjust early in a fight.
Matthysse must time Garcia early and begin removing weapons from Garcia’s arsenal. Once Matthysse begins to counter the jab, Garcia will be hesitant to throw it, allowing for Matthysse to get in with greater ease. He will have to move forward with the kind of comfort seen in his fights with Peterson and Dallas.
Do Not Lunge Forward
Matthysse must not lunge forward as he has a habit of doing. Garcia plans on counter punching, and if Matthysse cannot score a knockout early in the fight, the points will begin to add up for Garcia.
If Matthysse is to successfully work on the inside he must utilize his head movement and get a full extension of his punches rather than lunging forward.
Garcia isn’t the strongest puncher in his division, but anyone can get hurt by his counter left hook when lunging forward.
