WBC super featherweight champion Manny Pacquiao and WBC lightweight champion David Diaz will battle in a 12-round rumble with Diaz’s title at stake. Pacquiao vs. Diaz will take place June 28 in Las Vegas and can be seen live on pay-per-view beginning at 9 p.m. ET.
Before the fight, Pacquiao talked to FOXSports.com about changing weight classes and what he thinks of Diaz.
FOXSports.com: How has your training been going so far?
Manny Pacquiao: Training has been going very well. I’ve sparred over 100 rounds already and we’re just getting ready to taper off.
FOXSports.com: Do you feel you’re ready for the fight?
MP: I just have little things to do and just prepare mentally for the fight.
FOXSports.com: Do you prepare differently for a fight knowing there’s a title on the line like this fight?
MP: I take every fight as my most important fight because if I lose, I go back to square one. So if it’s a world title fight, if it’s somebody that has a good record, it has to be the same preparation because losing is the same for everybody.
FOXSports.com: What are you expecting from David Diaz in the fight?
MP: David Diaz is number one, a good person but he’s also a good fighter. He’s going to try to smother me, not let me breathe, and he’s going to come forward all the time.
FOXSports.com: How has changing weight divisions affected your training and how will it affect your fight?
MP: It’s been very good because I don’t have to diet as much and lose as much weight. I’m comfortable with my weight now. The nice thing is my power and my speed has not changed.
FOXSports.com: Recently, Floyd Mayweather announced his retirement. Were you surprised by that at all?
MP: Yes, I was. He has an undefeated record and is obviously a great fighter. I would like to see him fight a couple of more times because he’s enjoyable. He’s a nice guy and a torch bearer for our sport.
FOXSports.com: With his retirement, you’ve taken over the top spot in many pound-for-pound rankings. How do you feel about that?
MP: I’m very honored and thankful to anybody to places me anywhere on their list. I just…I’m honored.
FOXSports.com: What do you want fans to know about what they should expect from this fight?
MP: This is going to be a good fight. I’m expecting to go at least 12 rounds. He wants to defend his title. I want to win my fourth title, which will be the first for any Asian. It will be a good fight.
