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MANNY LIGHTENS UP THE LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION By Epifanio M. Almeda PhilBoxing.com Fri, 18 Apr 2008 I was about to submit this article weeks ago when I read another?s claim in another broadsheet that it is Joel Casamayor who has lightened up the lightweight division when he KO?d Michael Katsidis. While the writer of that article has some reasons to back up his claim, I still hold that it is the Pacman who lightens up the lightweight division. With Diego Corales? death and Jose Luis Castillo?s graduation to junior welterweight, Juan Diaz appeared to be the torch bearer in the lightweight division despite the presence of Casamayor. Well, Nate Campbell doused Juan?s torch. Meanwhile, Manny wrested the WBC 130-lb crown from Juan Manuel Marquez and removed the stumbling block to his quest in the higher weight division. By giving JMM the sought for rematch and scoring a win, Manny?s now owes no one to prove further he is the man among the junior lightweights. The simple announcement that Manny Pacquiao would be fighting David Diaz for the latter?s WBC 135-lb title brightened not only the division but more so David?s face. He reportedly earned only about 1/3 in his fight with Erik Morales of what he expects to earn exchanging leathers with ?Money? Pacman. David?s purse could be in 7 figures which he does not and could not expect if he fights either Nate or Joel. Manny?s entry in the 135-lb division also brightens Casamayor?s, Campbell?s, Katsidis? and Juan Diaz?s faces. With Manny?s ascent to the lightweights already good as confirmed, suddenly the junior lightweight division dims despite JMM, Edwin Valero and Joan Guzman. These 3 could fight each other and try to ?lighten? up the division seemingly dimmed by Manny?s impending departure. While literally Manny ?lightens? up the lightweight division being barely above the 130-lb limit and that the 135-lb regulars are naturally bigger than him, it is the established name, ?Manny Pacquiao?, his now renowned kind of fighting and admirable demeanor inside the ring, and his capability to draw in the dollars even for his opponents which produce ?light? in the lightweight division. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Epifanio M. Almeda. |
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