By Ben Jacobs

Former world title contender Lucas Matthysse (37-4, 34 KOs) is hard at work training in Argentina in preparation for his comeback fight against Emmanuel Taylor (20-4, 14 KOs) which takes place on May 6.  The bout is on the undercard of the huge clash between Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez and Julio César Chávez Jr.

Matthysse has not fought since a stoppage loss to Viktor Postol in October 2015, with some speculating that the Argentine might have been thinking of calling it a day shortly after.

Nevertheless, Roberto Díaz, matchmaker at Golden Boy Promotions, told BoxingScene.com that he believes Matthysse will come in reinvigorated for another chase towards a world title.

“I think the rest will have helped him and the new weight division will be beneficial for him,” said Díaz, speaking from Manchester, England. 

“This is a kid who has been fighting at 140lbs since the amateurs, but now being able to eat and make weight will make him stronger.  After the Postol fight I was speaking to him and he was devastated.  I said, ‘If you don’t want to continue that’s your choice, you’ve given everybody and yourself a great career.  But please think about it because you have so much more to give.’  And I was happy to hear that he’s coming back hungrier than ever.”

Reports from Argentina have suggested that Matthysse will not do his usual training camp in Junín, but will instead be heading out to prepare in the United States.  Roberto confirmed that this is his understanding as well.

“I have heard he will start training from March 25 in Indio, California with Joel Díaz.  I actually put them together when he fought Danny García.  Scott Quigg just went out to the US, it’s no secret the sparring is better, you see everything so you can adapt in sparring and come fight night you have seen it all. 

“Now he’s enjoying camp, it’s something different, before he was maybe getting bored of the same routines.”

Taylor will certainly not prove a simple task for Lucas’ return.  The Maryland native has fought the likes of Adrien Broner, Chris Algieri and Antonio Orozco, always putting in good displays.

“Emmanuel Taylor is a tough guy, he’s coming to win, he went the distance with Broner.  He knows this is his chance at the big time if he wins and Matthysse is coming off a layoff.”