He?s three days away from the biggest fight of his professional career but IBF lightweight champion Julio ?The Kidd? Diaz took time to offer some praise for and some advice to Filipino ring sensation Manny Pacquaio.
This Diaz is one of three non-related (but all of Mexican heritage, in fact Julio was born in Mexico) Diazes who all have world title belts at 135 pounds and are all being mentioned as possible early 2008 Pacman opponents. The others are Julio?s HBO foe for Saturday night, the unbeaten WBA-WBO champ Juan ?Baby Bull? Diaz and WBC beltholder and Chicago resident David Diaz. The latter Diaz comes off a decision victory which sent former Pacquaio foe and Mexican legend Erik Morales into retirement.
First, one champion?s advice to another. Julio, age 27 but with 37 pro bouts behind him, believes Megamanny should keep making some minor sacrifices and remain at 130 pounds.
?No doubt, he should try to stay at 130 pounds and not come up here to 135. This is where the big boys play. It would be wiser for Manny to stick with the super featherweight or junior lightweight division, I think.?
Second, the praise from one accomplished fighter to another.
?I think Pacquaio has been sensational. The people, the fans, they love the guy. His style is so fan-friendly, so action-packed. What?s not to like with Manny? He comes right at his opponent, come in at you straight forward and that usually makes for great fights.?
Is Pacman on Julio?s mind in the runup to his attempt to keep his title belt and take two away from the 24-year-old Juan?
?Not at all, not until you brought his name up,? Julio said. ?I am looking at only one guy and only night. That?s Saturday night against this other Diaz. I am going in there with all my blood, all my heart, and when it?s done, I?m taking all three belts back to the Coachella Valley with me.?
Bookies?even ones other Boxingconfidential.com Rookie Bookie John Chavez?don?t think so. They?re not singing like Paul Simon, ?Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard.? No, the oddsmakers are singing a different tune, like ?Baby Bull? being a 4-1 favorite.
?I am always the underdog,? Julio said. ?I love it. It?s exciting.?
