By Nicolas Samuilov, notifight.com

Golden Boy Promotions President Oscar De La Hoya has a lot of faith in the skill and ability of Lucas 'The Machine' Matthysse (36-3, 34KOs). In one of the most anticipated fight in a long time, Matthysse will face former champion Ruslan Provodnikov (24-3, 17KOs) on April 18th in an HBO televised fight from the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York.

De La Hoya visited Argentina to take part in a press conference in order to show his support for the local star. He hopes a win over Provodnikov will be the first step in Matthysse moving forward to much bigger things, including a future jump in weight to the welterweight division - where De La Hoya hopes Matthysse can get fights against Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao.

"April 18 will be another great fight. We know it is very difficult battle, but we are sure that Lucas will come out with his hand raised. We are very pleased with Lucas's career. We know this is just the beginning," De La Hoya said.

"I look at the future. The confidence we have in Matthysse allows us to think about what comes. We have big plans for him. We want the winner of the fight on May 2...between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao . But first things first, and that's the April 18the match against Provodnikov, which is going to be a very special night in which we are sure he will be victorious. "

"Lucas is the best 140-pounder in the world, and perhaps he will also [be the best] at 147. He has the style of a brawler, but he also thinks and has great technique and calculates his shots well. He is a complete fighter."