Matthysse needs win to earn title shot

For Lucas Matthysse, the word "interim" is literal.

Matthysse, the WBC's interim super lightweight champion, wants to win the outright world title held by Danny Garcia, who also owns the WBA belt. But first things first.

Matthysse (32-2, 30 knockouts) needs to take care of Mike Dallas Jr. tonight in the main event of Golden Boy Promotions' boxing card at the Hard Rock Hotel before he can call out Garcia, who defends his belts Feb. 9 against former world champion Zab Judah.

"He's the world champion; I'm the interim champion," Matthysse said through an interpreter. "I hope that fight happens before the end of the year."

Tonight's 12-round main event is part of Showtime's tripleheader that includes a 10-round super welterweight bout between Selcuk Aydin and Jesus Soto Karass and a 10-round junior middleweight bout between Jermell Charlo and Harry Joe Yorgey. Matthysse promised he is not overlooking Dallas (19-2-1, eight KOs).

"I train hard for every fight," Matthysse said. "It's an important fight. It's my first title defense. I'll be ready for anything (Dallas) does."

Matthysse, along with Sergio Martinez and Marcos Maidana, is part of a resurgence in Argentina boxing. Matthysse sees more kids in the gym learning to box, but he said boxing still lags far behind most sports in terms of fan interest in his country.

"I hope boxing can become bigger" in Argentina, Matthysse said. "I feel fortunate to be fighting at this time. More people know who I am. There's more opportunities today to make money. There's more opportunities for boys to be successful than in the past. I see the kids in the gym, and they're more interested in boxing now. But it's still not as big as soccer and basketball."

Matthysse, 30, is a powerful puncher, as evidenced by his 30 knockouts. His two losses were due in part to his inability to finish his opponent. Zab Judah and Devon Alexander won controversial decisions, and Matthysse's mindset these days is to keep the fight out of the judges' hands.

He'll be dealing with three local judges tonight - Dave Moretti, Dick Houck and C.J. Ross. Las Vegas' Robert Byrd will be the referee. "I don't like decisions," Matthysse said. "I trust my fists more than I trust the judges."

Luis Barrera, who trains Matthysse, said his fighter is using his natural aggressiveness smarter and has become a more effective power puncher.

"It was always within him," Barrera said. "He has a lot more confidence with what he does, and I think we have a complete fighter now."

Barrera said Matthysse wants to get better and is a willing student.

"I like that he's humble and accepts criticism," Barrera said. "He's willing to listen and do what you tell him. For Matthysse, I believe the sky's the limit."

Dallas, 26, said he believes his best chance to beat Matthysse is to outbox him. Matthysse doesn't see that happening.

"He's not going to win outboxing me," he said. "He has no chance. I hope I don't have to chase him. But I'll do what I have to if he decides to run."

If Matthysse has to chase after someone, he prefers it to be Garcia.

"That's the fight I need to show that I am the true champion of the (140-pound) division," Matthysse said. "I want to be recognized as the only champion."

The first bell for the 10-bout card is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter: @stevecarprj.