Hi Ricardo,
I agree with your views on Juan Diaz vs Manny Pacquiao! First of all, I am a huge fan of Pacquiao (am Filipino American,) but have also become a huge fan of Diaz as well–I was actually at the fight last night. I love this kid Diaz–great young man with a lot of in and out of the ring, healthy-constructive goals and ambition.
Where Manny started his fighting career at 108 lbs, he will eventually get smoked out by moving up in weight. He clearly does not have the same “One Punch” power that he had as a super bantamweight–although his power is still significant. Manny also does not have the same intensity that he had when he annihilated Ledwaba, Julio, Lucero, MAB or fought to that draw in the great fight against JMM: he has lost that same flame. Conversely, young Juan has that exact flame now. Like you stated, Juan Diaz is the bigger man, shows that he has granite whiskers, does not tire and punches with the same relentlessness as Manny: at this point in Manny’s career (and weight progression,) this is a bad fight for Manny.
Personally, I don’t think Kellerman has much love for Manny. When the opportunity arises he seems to negate Manny’s accomplishments: I’m sure he would love to see Diaz kick Manny’s butt. I don’t think it is fair to Manny for his critics to continuously look for more ways that Manny has to prove himself–the increasing expectations never end. After a great career, full of FOY quality fights, against several HOF opponents, serious progression in weight classes, winning two world titles (three from a lineage standpoint,) one great trilogy, his critics still insist that Manny is a “One Hit Wonder,” with no real fighting skills, and they’ll sadly use an inevitable loss to Baby Bull, as a way to say “I told you so!” Now that’s cheap!
However, ambiguously, I do have to say that, when Manny losses, I’d love nothing more than to see him lose to Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz: only because I couldn’t think of a more classy, deserving younster for Manny to pass the torch to!
Thanks Ricardo!
Victor Sumera Quincy MA
Victor – Thanks for the e-mail, you have several valid points. Manny already has an incredible career resume and a fight with Diaz, at this point seems pointless. There are plenty of names and unfinished business at super featherweight that fans deserve to see. Do the names Juan Manuel Marquez, Joan Guzman, Humberto Soto, and Edwin Valero ring a bell.
I am not sure if Kellerman loves or hates Manny, but a fight against Diaz would be a nice clash in styles. Maybe the inner-fan in Max was speaking. Thanks for the support and keep reading Boxing Confidential.
Hi Ricardo,
Your article about Pacquiao vs Diaz is very accurate.
I shudder to think about the matchup because Pac fans are blind to think that Pacquiao will easily mow down Diaz, Casamayor, Corrales, and the likes. It is like seeing your poker competitor with an ace top card and putting your money ALL IN without seeing your cards. I am of Filipino heritage and I laugh out loud at Pac fans who think their idol is invincible. But, yes again, Pac-Diaz will not happen in the foreseeable future for the reasons you stated. It is just too reckless for the sport and the business side of it. Arum just doesn’t feed his boys to the shark. But it IS an interesting matchup, I wonder how Pacquiao will deal with Diaz, I can’t imagine it. Max Kellerman knows what he’s saying. He, too, plays his end of the game.
Diaz-Pacquiao? It’s a DREAM. A dream because it’s a terrific matchup where Diaz will come out the victor. And a dream because it will never happen…
Thanks for your time and your interesting articles… Keep it coming! Antonio
WOW- Two supportive e-mails in a row, must be MY lucky day.
Mr. Bob Arum did not make it deep into his 70s as a promoter to throw Manny to the sharks. I am willing to bet you equity in Boxing Confidential (three peanuts) that the head of Top Rank steers Manny away from Diaz. We know the Filipino idol will return in the Fall, but who knows if it will indeed by Barrera, (as many Mexican papers insist and I doubt), Marquez (questionable again, unless the WBC forces a purse bid), or Humberto Soto (I have my money on Soto).
Ricardo,
You always find a way to hate our Filipino star, how do YOU know that Manny will lose against your Mexican Diaz. Go back to Mexico!
Sammy
Sammy – Ah, I knew all the love of prior e-mails was too good to be true! Sammy, I am not Mexican, I am CUBAN. Remember, we both eat lots of rice and pork. I don’t absolutely know that Manny will lose. I just think it is a bad match-up for Manny and Top Rank will not be chomping at the bit to throw in Pacquiao against Diaz.
