CHICAGO–There was a third world lightweight champion named Diaz in the house at the Sears Centre Saturday night. Front row spectator and Chicagoan David Diaz, recent conqueror of Erik Morales, David Diaz saw Juan ?Baby Bull? Diaz dominate and stop Julio Diaz after eight rounds of their triple title belt unification bout.
I spoke to David before the main event but I am sure that what he saw of the blinding hand speed and relentless energy of now WBO, WBA and IBF 135-pound champion Juan made his more determined than ever to push his promoter, Bob Arum?s Top Rank, to land him a 2008 blockbuster bout against Manny Pacquiao.
No way, even though HBO is generously sprinkling its star-making magic dust all over Juan Diaz, that David could get the same kind of money he can earn against Megamoney, I mean Megamanny.
And don?t think David Diaz does not know it. His mother did not raise any fools.
I asked the WBC champion if Top Rank had dangled a Pacman date yet?
?No,? David said, ?I haven?t had a call on that. After my victory over Morales, I am looking to get paid, really get paid. To fight Pacquiao I would demand a seven figure purse. The number is going to have to be in the seven figures for sure. Let them bring the money to the table and it?s on.?
I asked David D if he felt Pacman would do well moving up from 130 to 135 pounds.
?I think he may lose a little punching power in moving up,. I heard he?s having problems making 130 now. I don?t see a real big difference for him though.?
Make no mistake, though, this Diaz greatly respects Pacquiao?s ring skills.
?Manny, he is who he is in the ring. He is a good volume puncher who is always swinging and trying to locate his punches where they can do some damage. He?s always trying to find that right spot.?
Not that David believes that Pacman can take his precious green and gold belt.
?I would go in the ring with my belt and leave with it,? David said. ?I will beat Manny but it should be a very good fight for people to watch.?
You heard your man, Uncle Bob. D-a-v-i-d is looking for the big m-o-o-l-a-h. He wants Manny, yes, but he wants the money also.
