“Pacquiao is a great fighter, but he hasn’t faced The Machine yet,” he said referring to himself at a press conference at a hotel here, ahead of their bout on Sunday.

Matthysse is nicknamed “The Machine” for his aggressive fighting style and powerful punches.

The Argentine, 35, said he had dreamed of fighting Pacquiao since he first saw the Filipino fight.

“I’m honoured to face him. But I’m here to defend my title,” he said adding that he had put in more than 120 hours of rigorous training for the fight.

Pacquiao, who is also a senator in the Philippines, meanwhile said he was excited and ready for the fight.

The 39-year-old, who is the only eight-division world champion in boxing history, has been training hard in General Santos City in the Philippines for the fight.

Previously, Arnold Vegafria, the business manager of Pacquiao’s promotion outfit MP Promotions, said the “Pacman” was “hungry” and focused on winning his ninth title.

Another boxing legend, Oscar De La Hoya, who is the CEO of Golden Boy Promotions which promotes Matthysse, paid tribute to his former rival Pacquiao.

“I’m so proud of Pacquiao – he has become one of most important legends of boxing, and outside the ring as well, by building bridges between countries and attracting youths to become fighters.

“Matthysse is a dangerous fighter. So you will see two fighters giving their best.”

The “Fight of Champions” at the Axiata Arena on July 15 will see Pacquiao and Matthysse squaring off for the WBA welterweight title.

It will be the biggest boxing match in Malaysia since Muhammad Ali went toe-to-toe with Joe Bugner in 1975.