Manny Pacquiao prefers David Diaz above anyone else.
?If you ask me, I?d prefer Diaz first,? said the newly crowned WBC superfeatherweight champion during yesterday?s press conference at the GMA-7 headquarters.
Pacquiao had just arrived from the US where he fought and defeated Juan Manuel Marquez last March 15, when he talked about his immediate plans on the ring.
He said a third fight with Marquez, the dethroned champion from Mexico City, is not high on his agenda, at least not for his next fight in June or July.
Pacquiao is all set to move up in weight (lightweight at 135 lbs) and challenge Diaz for his crown. This gives the Pinoy icon a shot at a fourth world title in different division.
?Because if I fight Marquez soon, it might appear to be too personal between us. To me it?s nothing personal,? said Pacquiao who has fought Marquez twice.
The first one ended in a draw, one that Pacquiao should have won. And his advisers believe that he has beaten Marquez twice, and there?s nothing more to prove.
But if that?s what fight fans want, then it should come ? later.
?All they have to do is seek the fight and I?m ready. But it will all depend on the promoters. I?m just a boxer and my job is to train hard for a fight,? he said.
Unofficial word said Pacquiao could earn as much as $8 million for the recent fight, and a third one with Marquez, if it happens, should net him nothing less than $10 million.
He said a fight with Diaz, an American with Mexican descent, should get a clearer picture within the next three weeks. Tentatively it?s set June 28 also at Mandalay Bay.
?What I know is that it?s moving on,? he said.
And the other possible candidates like Joel Casamayor and Edwin Valero?
Pacquiao said ?bring ?em on.?
?If they want I can fight them both at the same time ? alternately. One round with Casamayor and the next one with Valero,? said Pacquiao in jest.
Or even those in the heavier divisions?
?Maybe I can fight at 150 lbs (welterweight). It?s where the stronger, better fighters are,? he said without mentioning the prominent names like Oscar dela Hoya, Ricky Hatton or Floyd Mayweather.
Everything remains to be seen.
