| |
|
WBC Champ Diaz Challenges Pacquiao
By Bill Velasco
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 12 Nov 2007
CHICAGO -- After the WBC told Manny Pacquiao to fight for a title, and after sending Erik Morales into retirement, World Boxing Council lightweight champion David Diaz issues a challenge to Manny Pacquiao.
The 1996 Olympian admitted that he was greatly fulfilled by being able to defeat a noble warrior like Morales.
"To have a victory over a legend, a living legend, was unbelievable. I mean this guy had fights with Pacquiao, Barrera. He kept the Mexican name high. And that's something I wanted to do and got it," Diaz told this writer at the Jabs gym here.
It took the Mexican ten years to become a world champion after campaigning in the Atlanta Olympics. Along the way, he overcame going into debt to pay for his mother's kidney transplant, the death of his brother due to AIDS, and a tear in his Achilles tendon. But he knows he won't be truly feared in the boxing world unless he beats the biggest draw in the fight game today: Manny Pacquiao.
"Not only would I be fighting a legend, I would be fighting the number one guy who has captivated the world in boxing."
After everything he's been through to become king of his weight class, Diaz says he has tremendous respect for the Pacman.
"What makes him tough? His aggressiveness, his toughness, and his hard punch," Diaz elaborates. "He's a non-stop worker in the ring. He's fast. You have to stay away from his left. That left could bring down a building, honestly."
But Diaz feels the fight would not be one-sided.
"I think his style would be a perfect match for my style. I don't back down from a fight. I work my butt off. So Manny, if you're listening, let's get this fight on," the champion called out.
The only question now is how interested Pacquiao would be in moving up and trying his luck in the next weight division. And what pay-off it would take to lure him there.
Editor's Note: PhilBoxing.com would like to give a warm welcome to its newest contributor, Bill Velasco.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Bill Velasco.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Pound-for-Pound Puerto Rican Champion Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo to Defend Unified WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine Minimumweight World Titles Against the Philippines’ Joey Canoy
, Sat, 30 May 2026Canoy now trains at MP Davao for Collazo's fight
By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 30 May 2026Johann Chua claims Duya Airplay Sport 5800 Charity Cup Crown, pockets US$50,000 tops prize
By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 30 May 2026“While others debate governance, the IBA continues to deliver.” IBA CEO & Secretary General Chris Roberts OBE on the organisation’s resilience and global ambition
, Sat, 30 May 2026MP Pro Announces Signed Undefeated Prospects J'Hon Ingram, Amir Anderson, David Lopez, and Kayla Gomez to Compete on "Pugilist Revolution" June 19 in Long Beach, California
, Sat, 30 May 2026Canoy to challenge Collazo on June 20
By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 29 May 2026UNDEFEATED SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT RONNIE ALVAREZ RETURNS TO THE RING ON JUNE 13 IN GLENDALE, ARIZONA
, Fri, 29 May 202620 Matchups Set for 2026 Final X, presented by Kerberos Capital Management, To Determine 2026 USA Wrestling World Championship Teams
, Fri, 29 May 2026RJJ Boxing & “RJJ Saving the Kids” Presents World Boxing Association International Middleweight Championship! Natasha “The Nightmare” Spence and Maricela “La Diva” Cornejo
, Fri, 29 May 2026Taguig boxing clinic starts
By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 29 May 2026Brico Santig Wins IBF “Most Active Promoter” Award
, Thu, 28 May 2026FOSTER AND FORD IN FIERY FACE-OFF IN HOUSTON
, Thu, 28 May 2026Tank Davis could return later this year
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 28 May 2026GM Joey Antonio to compete in Asean Sr chessfest in Singapore
By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 28 May 2026Murat Gassiev to defend his WBA Heavyweight crown against Yoka at IBA PRO 19
, Thu, 28 May 2026‘Not a Kid Anymore.’ Edward Vazquez Talks About How He’s Matured While Training to Face Daniel Lugo on ProBoxTV in Friday, June 5, Main Event
, Thu, 28 May 2026Remulla, Ferrer, Matro to grace Cavite Inter-Town Chess Tournament this weekend
By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 28 May 2026McHugh next for Dy
By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 27 May 2026Sweat, Smiles & Strategy: Ador Torres Helps Tim Tszyu Sharpen Up for Errol Spence
By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 27 May 2026Benavidez receives the Tollan Tlatequi WBC belt in Mexico City
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 27 May 2026Llover ready to fight Angeletti on June 6
By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 27 May 2026Tyson Fury could return in Dublin on August 1st
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 27 May 2026Long After the Cheers: Luisito Espinosa…Battle of Manila Bay 2…and an Unofficial World Record Worth Remembering
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Wed, 27 May 2026Undefeated Knockout Artist Jordan Orozco (16-0, 16 KOs) Continues Rapid Ascent as One of Boxing’s Most Exciting Young Stars
, Wed, 27 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Secures 13 Medals at 2026 Copa America
, Wed, 27 May 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
