Manny Pacquiao: I will box on after Lucas Matthyse fight

Philippine boxer Manny Pacquiao insisted Friday that his advancing years were no barrier to success as he gears up for a showdown against world champion Lucas Matthysse.

Pacquiao, 39, will fight the Argentine - four years his junior - for the World Boxing Association welterweight belt on July 15 in Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur.

The Filipino has won an unprecedented eight world titles in different weight classes but questions have been raised about his ability to box at the top of his game due to his age.

But at a joint press conference with Matthysse in Kuala Lumpur, he dismissed such concerns.

"It's not about a number, it's not about age, that doesn't matter," he said.

"It depends how you discipline yourself in training, how you prepare."

Pacquiao said that the fight against Matthysse would not be his last, as he wants the final bout of his career to take place in his homeland.

_______________

Manny Pacquiao yet to make 'final decision' on trainer after reports of split from Freddie Roach

_______________

"Definitely this is not my last fight," he said. "I think I still have got a couple of more fights (until I) retire."

Pacquiao is currently a senator in the Philippine parliament and many in the country believe he will one day run for president, although the boxer has insisted he is happier in the ring than politics.

He conceded that it was "not easy" to juggle being a top-level boxer and politician.

Matthysse - who took the vacant WBA welterweight title in January - has expressed confidence that he can beat Pacquiao, describing the Filipino as a diminished star.

At Friday's press conference, he said he was a "pretty big puncher with both hands, so that gives me a lot of confidence".

Pacquiao has not fought since he lost his World Boxing Organisation welterweight crown in a shock points defeat to Australia's Jeff Horn last year, and has not knocked out an opponent in nearly nine years.

The Kuala Lumpur bout will likely mark the first time in 15 years that Pacquiao will be fighting without his long-standing US trainer Freddie Roach, who expressed hurt last week after saying ties have been cut.

The boxer has suggested that role might go to his own friend and compatriot Buboy Fernandez, at least for the Matthysse bout.

Haircare resolutions 2021

From Beirut and Amman to London and now Dubai, hairstylist George Massoud has seen the same mistakes made by customers all over the world. In the chair or at-home hair care, here are the resolutions he wishes his customers would make for the year ahead.

1. 'I will seek consultation from professionals'

You may know what you want, but are you sure it’s going to suit you? Haircare professionals can tell you what will work best with your skin tone, hair texture and lifestyle.

2. 'I will tell my hairdresser when I’m not happy'

Massoud says it’s better to offer constructive criticism to work on in the future. Your hairdresser will learn, and you may discover how to communicate exactly what you want more effectively the next time.

3. ‘I will treat my hair better out of the chair’

Damage control is a big part of most hairstylists’ work right now, but it can be avoided. Steer clear of over-colouring at home, try and pursue one hair brand at a time and never, ever use a straightener on still drying hair, pleads Massoud.