Manny Pacquiao is expecting the fight of his life as he attempts to complete his drive for five tomorrow night when he faces WBC lightweight champion David Diaz at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.
A legend in his native Philippines and one of the sport’s most popular fighters thanks to his exciting style, Pacquiao enters his battle against Diaz trying to complete a quest to capture five world titles in as many weight classes.
Pacquiao’s WBC super featherweight belt is not on the line.
Pacquiao, who has already won titles at flyweight, super-bantamweight, featherweight and super-featherweight, enters the bout against Diaz having won his last seven fights since losing to Erik Morales in March 2005.
Included in that winning streak is a pair knockout wins over Morales.
Despite his recent success, the 29-year-old Pacquiao (46-3-2, 35KOs) is preparing for a war against Diaz, a fellow southpaw.
“This will be my hardest-fought battle,” said Pacquiao, who won a split decision over Juan Manuel Marquez in March to capture the super-featherweight crown.
“It has been over three years since I have changed weight divisions and I will be doing it against the lightweight division’s world champion.
“But this is my drive for five world titles in five different weight classes and I will not be denied. I am fighting for history, for destiny and for the people of the Philippines.”
The 32-year-old Diaz (34-1-1, 17 KOs) is making the second defence of his title after winning a unanimous decision over Morales last August, a verdict which sent the Mexican star into retirement.
In a non-title bout, Diaz won a majority decision over Ramon Montano on March 15. That fight was on the undercard of Pacquiao’s victory over Marquez.
Diaz, who suffered his only career loss via knockout against Kendall Holt in February 2005, has confidence heading into the
biggest test of his career.
“I will shock the world and beat Pacquiao at his own game, power for power,” Diaz said.
“He’s a great champion, but he’s
fighting in my division – lightweight. I have worked too hard for this world title and I will not give it up to him.
“I have always done pretty good against southpaws. I hit them, so I really should be all right.”
