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Philippines, 26 Feb 2026 |
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PACQUIAO WILL KO DIAZ -- ROACH By Hermie Rivera PhilBoxing.com Tue, 03 Jun 2008  Berkeley, CA -- Manny Pacquiao, coming off a hard-earned win over Juan Manuel Marquez clashes with a heavier David Diaz in a face-off that's likely to generate excitement among fight fans in a championship match. The intriguing lightweight scrap at Vegas' Mandalay Bay Casino is Pacquiao's ticket for a fourth world title -- one he longingly hankers due to the failure of his compatriots in garnering such masterstroke. When the celebrated Carlos Ortiz ended the blue-ribbon reign of Joe Brown - no Filipino - to include the remarkably clever Gabriel 'Flash' Elorde succeeded in becoming a 135 lbs ace. Latest posted odds favor the Pinoy challenger over the Mex-Am titleholder. Not unlike the time Pacquiao succeeded in grabbing Marquez's junior lightweight belt in a war that continues to torment followers of both camps with each side claiming victory for their man. No one is saying it loud but there are bettors who believe David Diaz can scratch out a win over the Philippines' reigning idol. And why not? David was only beaten once enroute to his lightweight throne. He foiled determined challenges of contenders with his unquestioned ability topped by a go-for-broke style of brash boxing. Listening to David's endless claptrap of retaining his WBC crown, there just isn't a way or so it seems for Manny to wiggle out from a trap Diaz is set to impose in their June 28 showdown. Or is there an exit for our man from this planned jam? Freddie Roach, Pacman's resolute coach now says David is in a situation that entails grave difficulty -- neutralizing Pacman's lethal combination of speed and power. Manny's threat of a fast start that can end ring hostilities sooner than expected is a reality that's not easy for David to master. Pacquiao has repeated his intimidating plan even as Roach paraded him in a well-attended public workout at Berkeley's Westwind School, showcasing his rythmic cadence with the mitts and the bags. "David Diaz is in for a rough evening in this meeting of vaunted sluggers and my Manny will send him to dreamland only to awaken when gas prices goes interminably down," adding "the end will come in the late rounds." Roach concluded. Whew. What a pitch. What started as a balanced pairing of brave lefties is shaping up as one heck of a donnybrook involving worldbeaters with violent fistic traits. This fistic free-for-all without a doubt rouses up salivating fans to no end, thanks largely to the promoters who are making it a reality. And when Pacman's timely roll of the dice shows crap for Diaz, why Ricky 'Typhoon' Hatton must gear up fast for a humongous payday with arguably the planet's hottest draw -- Manny Pacquiao of GenSan, Cotabato. Top photo: Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao dons the San Francisco Giants uniform while in San Francisco, CA recently.  WBC lightweight champ David Diaz wraps his hand in preparation for a public workout.  Pacquiao wraps his hand as trainer Freddie Roach looks on. Photos by Noel Rivera. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Hermie Rivera.  |
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