This is one fight Manny Pacquiao would love to have.
?I can say this will be more action-packed than the ones I did with (Juan Manuel) Marquez and (Erik) Morales because (David) Diaz is a very tough fighter who wants to fight toe-to-toe. And that?s what I want,? said Pacquiao during the press launch of his June 28 fight with Diaz at the Westin Bonaventure in Los Angeles, California Tuesday.
Pacquiao, a noted slugger whose speed and punching power have catapulted him to the top of the boxing world, is gunning for a record fourth championship belt in four different divisions, seeking to add the lightweight plum to his growing collection of titles.
Diaz, who defended his title against Morales last Aug. 4, will be making his second title defense.
He vowed to have Pacquiao pay for invading the 135-lb ranks.
Their first face-off was a show of professionalism with both fighters showing class and respect to each other, but the upcoming fight is tipped to be an explosive showdown between two fighters with similar styles.
Like the Filipino champion, who is heavily favored to win the fight, Diaz is also looking forward to the duel with great enthusiasm and excitement.
?It will be a lot of fireworks. This fight with Pacquiao is the greatest and toughest fight of my career so I don?t want to lose. I am going to run, eat, train and think about Pacquiao,? said Diaz.
Since Pacquiao has been widely regarded as one of the world?s best pound-for-pound fighters, Diaz said he needs to stop the Gen. Santos native so he could prove to himself that he deserves to belong with the best.
?It?s an honor and test for me to prove to myself because I know a lot of fighters out there do not believe me. So I have to believe in myself to be victorious,? said Diaz.
The 29-year-old Pacquiao, toting a 46-3-2 mark, has captured world titles at 112-lb, 122-lb and 130lb divisions while Diaz, 31, of Chicago, Ill. and a 1996 Olympian, boasts of a 34-1-1 card with 17 KOs.
