Lucas Matthysse’s next action fight could launch him toward a Pacquiao bout

It’s no stretch to project with Lucas Matthysse’s brawling, all-action style that he could produce a second fight-of-the-year candidate when he steps in the ring Oct. 3 at StubHub Center in Carson.

And with a victory, he could possibly elevate himself into position for a showdown with Manny Pacquiao.

Matthysse (37-3, 34 knockouts) will meet unbeaten Viktor Postol (27-0, 11 KOs) of Ukraine in a bout for the World Boxing Council’s vacant light-welterweight title that HBO will televise.

As he trains in Argentina for the test of the 5-feet-11 Postol, the 5-6 1/2 Matthysse took a break Tuesday to talk to The Times about his preparations.

“One of the things we’ve done is to make sure I’m sparring against opponents who are the same height as Postol, just to make sure I’m comfortable for him,” Matthysse said.

“I need to feel strong. Viktor’s style is similar to John Molina’s style.”

In 2014, Matthysse and Covina’s Molina faced off in what the Boxing Writers Assn. of America voted as the fight of the year. And in April, Matthysse’s toe-to-toe victory against Russian slugger Ruslan Provodnikov became the early favorite to capture this year’s award.

“I’m expecting all action again. It’s for the world title,” Matthysse said. “That’s my style of fighting. I come forward and am prepared to give it all I have in the ring. To just fight. Particularly with this fight, something I really want, I’m prepared to go all the way with it.”

In the days after Floyd Mayweather Jr. relied on his boxing and elusiveness to win another fight, Matthysse counters with a style that is far less cautious.

“Every fighter has their own style. The hit-and-don’t-get-hit fighters aren’t scared,” Matthysse said. “But I think my style is more fan friendly. People come to watch excitement.

“I feel proud that people consider the Provodnikov one of the best fights of the year. It depends what Viktor brings to the ring, but I’m prepared to win.”

As far as Pacquiao, Matthysse said that after this bout, “A very big fight with Pacquiao would be my goal. I want to keep fighting the best fighters, in my division and in the game.”

Bob Arum, Pacquiao’s promoter, told The Times Tuesday that Matthysse’s “crowd-pleasing” style makes him a probable consideration for Pacquiao’s return bout from shoulder surgery in early 2016. Pacquiao is said to be focused on other options, too, including Amir Khan, Kell Brook and Terence Crawford.

Follow Lance Pugmire on Twitter @latimespugmire