World-rated light welterweight Mike Dallas Jr. (19-2-1, 8 KOs) is geared up for what will be the biggest and most emotional fight of his professional career as he takes on Argentine sensation Lucas Matthysse (32-2, 20 KOs) in a SHOWTIME® Championship Boxing main event on Saturday, January 26 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
The upcoming fight will be a monumental one in Dallas’ career and personal life, as it will be his chance of achieving his goal of obtaining a title belt, but also his first bout since losing his father to leukemia last November.
“This fight means a lot to me,” the 26-year-old boxer said. “It’s the biggest fight I’ve had. If I win this fight, it takes me to another level.”
Dallas has dedicated the bout to his late father, Mike Dallas, Sr. He has been gruelingly training with Virgil Hunter to prepare for the 30-year-old Matthysse, who was anointed with the interim WBC Light Welterweight Championship belt after beating the undefeated Ajose Olusegun (30-1, 14 KOs) by technical knockout last September.
Nicknamed “The Silent Assassin,” Dallas has incorporated power with his excellent boxing skills and his persistence in wearing down his opponents, which may prove requisite in defeating Matthysse, who has lost his only two bouts by decision.
Dallas isn’t overcomplicating his approach to the fight as the game plan is mapped out by Hunter the 2011 Trainer of the Year. His plan of attack is to remain true to his style of boxing, speed and quickness.
“I’m just going to be myself and box and take advantage of openings,” the Bakersfield, Calif. native said. “I’ll do what I’ve been taught to do and force him to have to make the adjustments as the fight goes on. I’m just going to be smart and fast.”
“I truly believe that Mike can defy the odds against Matthysse,” said Dallas promoter Dan Goossen of Goossen Tutor Promotions. “Fights against the likes of Josesito Lopez and Mauricio Herrera, which I thought he won, prepare you for these opportunities.”
