Manny Pacquiao in a light morning run in Maasim, Sarangani as part of his preparation for his World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight title match against Lucas Matthysse of Argentina on July 15 at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur.

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — With just less than three weeks left before his defining fight with World Boxing Association (WBA) champion Lucas Matthysse, Manny Pacquiao’s handlers were pleased with the work ethic shown by the 39-year-old legend.

After Pacquiao displayed his old and fiery form on Tuesday, staggering sparring partner Gherich Chavez with a single solid straight to the jaw, chief trainer Buboy Fernandez and strength and conditioning coach Justin Fortune gave the former champion a high mark.

Pacquiao had to pause for 10 seconds to give Chavez a respite, as old timers recalled memories of the Filipino’s single knockout punch that took the lights out of Emmanuel Lucero in 2003 in Los Angeles.

“I would say he is 85 already percent ready and we don’t want him to peak too soon,” said Fernandez, who is leaving no stone unturned in their preparation for “Fight of Champions,” the biggest boxing event in Kuala Lumpur set on July 15 at the Axiata Arena.

“He is right there where we want him to be right now,” said the Australian coach who is seeing a resurgent spirit of the only boxer in history who has won eight world titles in eight different divisions.

Pacquiao challenged himself Monday morning, testing himself to the limit by climbing the steepest route in Maasim, Sarangani province.

“It’s a sign that Manny is trying to ask himself questions whether he still has it or not. That talks a lot about his warrior spirit,” said Fortune.

Meanwhile, Matthysse is also doing all he can to match whatever firepower Pacquiao will be bringing to battle.

Under the tutelage of Joel Diaz in Indio, California, Matthysse promised to keep his belt at all costs.

Matthysse’s promoter Oscar Dela Hoya also dispelled rumors that the fight might be cancelled due to financial problems as alleged by Pacquiao’s long-time and former promoter Bob Arum of rival Top Rank Promotions.

“I feel very, very confident the fight is going to happen, let’s put it that way,” said Dela Hoya in an interview with boxing scribe Steve Kim.

Matthysse is planning to arrive in Kuala Lumpur ahead of everyone to acclimatize for 10 days prior to the match.