CHICAGO?His unbeaten world lightweight champion Juan ?Baby Bull? Diaz is going to go off as a 4-1, maybe even a 5-1, favorite in the HBO main event Saturday night at the Sears Centre. But manager-trainer and father figure Willie Savannah swears that the WBA and WBO 135-pound champion only has IBF lightweight champion Julio Diaz on his mind.
Savannah wants us to believe that Juan does not and will not think about a possible showdown with the world?s most popular fighter, Manny Pacquaio, until after he overcomes Julio.
You can believe that or not and I sure don?t but at least Savannah was frank enough to admit that Pacman looms large in his own thoughts.
?The kid is not thinking about Manny, I know that,? the Houston-based Savannah said.
?He is entirely focused on the guy he is fighting tonight, Julio Diaz. Julio can box and punch and he is a world champ also so we?re not taking him lightly. We don?t take anyone lightly and Juan?s record proves that.
?But do I think about Pacquaio? I sure do. Pacquaio is, well he is Pacquaio. He and Juan would make for a great fight. And Juan would beat Pacquaio. Juan Diaz has no fear of Manny Pacquaio.
?Manny and Juan in the ring?well, that would be a real war. Pacquaio is so aggressive he might run right into Juan. That would be how he would get beat. Juan loves guys who run right at him. It would be a great, great fight that the fans would love. It would provide great action.?
Megamanny, as I?ve suggested could fight three Diazes if he wants to, Juan, Julio and the WBC lightweight champ and Chicago resident who will be at ringside here to watch Juan and Julio, David Diaz.
I asked Don King whether Juan or Julio would make for a better opponent for Pacman. I got a typical King reply.
?Both of them,? King said. ?Why leave one Diaz out? Juan and Julio could both fight Manny.?
Is this the same promoter who likes to say, ?it?s for the needy, not the greedy??
