A few hours before flying to Los Angeles late Monday night, Manny Pacquiao was heavily-engaged in a chess match with former business manager Rod Nazario, who later disclosed that the June 28 battle between Pacquiao and David Diaz in Las Vegas won?t be a mind game.
“It?s going to be power that will decide the outcome of the fight,” said Nazario, who came back from an opening game loss to rack up two straight victories over Pacquiao in front of several bigwigs at an expensive dinner hosted by businessman-sportsman Hermie Esguerra at the Century Park Hotel.
Pacquiao and Nazario had faced off last week in Para?aque where the seventy-something boxing promoter emerged triumphant, 2.5-0.5.
“You resign now,” Nazario told Pacquiao as Environment Secretary Lito Atienza and ex-Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson and members of his bloated entourage look on.
After a few minutes, Pacquiao began walking towards the hotel lobby and granted two scribes a quick interview in relation to his quest to knock the World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight crown off Diaz?s head at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
“I will do my best to win,” said Pacquiao, who arrived in the US yesterday (Monday night US time) and was met at the airport by his supporters, including orthodontist Dr. Ed Dela Vega, who customizes Pacquiao?s mouth guard whenever he fights in America.
Asked what Diaz should watch out for, Pacquiao said “he should worry if he doesn?t train hard for this fight.”
“As for me, I have no concerns as long as I train hard for this fight,” said Pacquiao, who should show up at the Wild Card either after Tuesday?s luncheon press conference or the following day.
Wild Card taskmaster Freddie Roach said Pacquiao better be ready for the tough grind and the Filipino lefty answered that he is raring to start working under Roach?s supervision.
“No problem,” said Pacquiao when told about Roach?s plans to begin sparring on May 18.
“I have been training, anyway,” said Pacquiao, who will be tested by veteran Freddie Norwood and prospect Victor Ortiz.
Shortly after his arrival in the US, Pacquiao immediately headed to his apartment in La Brea in anticipation of a busy day ahead of him.
Top Rank will hold the Westin Bonaventure Hotel with Diaz also in attendance and they are expected to be interviewed by members of the media from TV, print, radio and Internet as well.
Bernie Bahrmasel, Diaz?s publicist, said yesterday that they arrived in Los Angeles from Chicago at 10 p.m., just a couple of hours after Pacquiao landed.
In a few weeks time, Pacquiao and Diaz would all be ready to rumble.
