Why Lucas Matthysse Could Be Boxing's Next Big Thing

Boxing has gotten off to a rough start this year. Injuries have thrown a wrench in a number of big matchups involving fighters that are trying to establish themselves as the sport's next stars.

Fans of the sweet science are becoming skeptical of all the issues that are delaying fights. Whether it's Danny Garcia's ribs or Devon Alexander's biceps, injuries are becoming the new norm.

As is the case in most walks of life, the best way to quiet a skeptic in boxing is to show and prove, or in other words, let your actions speak louder than your words.

Enter Lucas Matthysse, the self-proclaimed "man of few words" whose fists are proof that he is on the cusp of stardom.

These are the top reasons why Lucas Matthysse could be boxing's next big thing.

After laying out Mike Dallas Jr. with a swift right hand in the first-round of their scheduled 12-rounder, Lucas Matthysse expressed his desire to face any and every notable 140-pound fighter.

At the top of Matthysse's wish list is WBC and WBA champion, Danny Garcia. Both fighters posses the power to produce stunning knockouts, so a proposed fight between the two is definitely exciting.

One thing I love about Matthysse is his willingness to fight boxers that don't necessarily play to his strengths such as Zab Judah and Devon Alexander.

It's clear that Matthysse is at his best during toe-to-toe action, but he doesn't mind having to work to find his opponent either. The desire to fight the best is always a plus in the fans' eyes.

With some of the heaviest hands in boxing, Lucas Matthysse hits harder than a Vinnie Paz punchline. While it's not a prerequisite for stardom, punching power always helps attract viewers.

According to Matthysse's handlers, he has knocked down every opponent he has faced in his professional career. With 31 knockouts in 35 fights, Matthysse is a threat to knock anyone out at 140-pounds.

Aside from sheer power, one of Matthysse's best qualities is his discipline in the ring. He doesn't just throw haymakers in a feudal attempt to knock his opponent out. Instead, Lucas is patient enough to work the body, which usually pays dividends for him in the later rounds.

As veteran trainer Rudy Hernandez recently said, Matthysse doesn't waste punches and when he see's an opening, he takes it. Whether he is fighting in a phone booth or trying to walk his opponent down, Matthysse always keeps things interesting.

While it may not entice other boxers to step in the ring with him, Lucas Matthysse's punching power is a sure fire way to keep everyone anticipating his next fight. 

Lucas Matthysse has a solid resume which lends credibility to his impressive knockout percentage. He has fought the likes of Zab Judah, Devon Alexander, Humberto Soto and DeMarcus Corley.

After dropping two closely contested decisions to Judah and Alexander, Matthysse took the judges out of the equation versus Soto and Mike Dallas Jr. by scoring two impressive knockouts.

At 30-years old, Matthysse is in his physical prime and he's ready to take advantage of the momentum he has started the year off with.

We should get to see Matthysse fight at least two more times this year against better opposition. And with Matthysse's action packed style, it's safe to say that he will win more fans over regardless of the outcome.

Even with the current promotional cold war in boxing, there are a myriad of options at 140-pounds for Lucas Matthysse.

Matthysse's Golden Boy stablemates Danny Garcia, Lamont Peterson, and Amir Khan are just a few fighters who would be exciting matchups for Lucas.

Peterson has expressed an interest in fighting Matthysse, so if Lamont can get past Kendall Holt on February 22, that is one enticing matchup that could be on the horizon.

If the promotional hatchet were to be buried between Golden Boy and Top Rank, Brandon Rios versus Lucas Matthysse would probably be the most exciting fight at 140-pounds.

Do you think Lucas Matthysse has what it takes to be boxing's next big thing?

Who would you like to see Matthysse fight next?