Lucas Matthysse scored an impressive win against Ruslan Provodnikov in their electrifying showdown on Saturday. And with the way Matthysse performed, Golden Boy Promotions president Oscar De La Hoya believes the Argentine deserves a big fight later this year.
Matthysse ran away with a majority decision victory against Provodnikov in their non-title fight on Saturday night at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in New York. The Chubut, Argentina native improved to 37-3 with 34 knockout victories in his career.
Depending on the outcome of the upcoming Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather fight next month, the Matthysse-Provodnikov bout could be a strong candidate for the Fight of the Year.
When asked about the future of Matthysse, De La Hoya said that they are considering several options, but a rematch against Danny Garcia is still on top of their list.
Garcia, who is the reigning World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association light welterweight champion, defeated Matthysse via unanimous decision in their world title fight in September 2013.
Aside from the rematch, De La Hoya also added that he believes the Argentine deserves a shot against Pacquiao or any other fighter of his caliber even if it means Matthysse will move up in weight. A fight against Pacquiao is a long shot, though, especially if he wins against Mayweather, who is expected to ask for a rematch if he loses next month.
"We want the big names, Lucas wants to stalk Danny Garcia and get the rematch," De La Hoya said. "The fans have to ask for it and keep on asking for it. That's the way you pressure fighters into taking fights. I believe Lucas Matthysse should be fighting the likes of Manny Pacquiao. He has no problem making 147."
Most boxing fans are calling for a rematch between Matthysse and Provodnikov because they want to see another action-packed bout between the two boxing warriors.
However, when asked about an immediate rematch with Provodnikov, De La Hoya expressed no interest in a second fight because he thinks Matthysse has nothing to prove against the Russian slugger.
"We're going to move on and explore other options," De La Hoya said. "I think what Lucas Matthysse did with his jab was amazing. Provodnikov is a great fighter. I wish him all the best. Whoever he fights he's going to beat. Provodnikov is the toughest fighter anyone could face. There's nobody like Provodnikov, his will to win."
