Pacquiao, 39, will be making a comeback to the ring at the Axiata Arena here, almost a year after losing the welterweight belt, in a unanimous decision, to Jeff Horn in Australia on July 2 last year.

He said today he wanted to make the bout the most anticipated event.

“We have assembled the biggest fight Malaysia has been waiting for in the last 43 years since the Muhammad Ali-Joe Bugner fight in July 1975,” Manny told Bernama in a statement issued by his promotion company, MP Promotions and Events.

The Philippines senator, who is the only eight-division world champion with 11 major titles, has won 59 (38 of them knockouts) out of 68 fights in his career.

Meanwhile, 35-year-old Matthysse has started training with Joel Diaz for the bout, dubbed as “Fight of Champions”.

“This is the fight I have always wanted. The opportunity to fight a future Hall of Fame boxer such as Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao inspires me to work harder than ever to earn a victory for my fans.

“I know that it will not be easy. But I will defend my title with honour and represent my country Argentina with pride,” said Matthysse, who had 36 knockouts out of his 39 wins, with only four losses.

The Argentine is scheduled to arrive for a press conference in Manila on Wednesday for an official announcement to confirm the WBA Welterweight title fight.

Both fighters will later schedule a press conference and media tour in Kuala Lumpur on Friday to promote the bout, which will also feature three other world title fights.

Pacquiao will be joined by his new promotions team along with trainers Restituto “Buboy” Fernandez and Raides “Nonoy” Neri, the statement added.