COUNTDOWN TO DIAZ-PACQUIAO IS ON
San Mateo, CA- Last Saturday, Juan Diaz become the only fighter in boxing to currently hold three out of the four major world title in one division (that is until Joe Calzaghe and Mikkel Kessler collide on November 3rd). Diaz made the seventh successful defense of his WBA crown he won back in 2004 against a very tough Lakva Sim, 21-4-1, 18 KOs). He added the WBO diadem in 2006 vs. Acelino Freitas (38-2, 32 KOs). Another piece of the 135 lb. puzzle was won last Saturday when Juan picked up the IBF crown when he convinced Julio Diaz (34-4, 5 KOs) to remain on his stool for the ninth round. Based on his recent performance, Diaz could lay claim to being a top ten ?pound for pound? fighter.
FOR DIAZ, NOW IS THE TIME TO BE A STAR
In Texas, Diaz has the star power that can fill up most arenas in Houston or San Antonio. However, he has not fought there since 2005 and has be getting the most exposure on PPV undercards and HBO Boxing After Dark bouts. Diaz has sent out the challenge to Manny Pacquiao for a lightweight showdown as soon as possible. The prospective bout has all the makings of spectacular event with one exception?Diaz?s lack of mainstream power. It is pretty clear by now; Pacquiao is a mainstream boxing superstar having appeared in many HBO PPV bouts against Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera. Both Mexican?s, stars in their own rights, were considerable underdogs in the rematches. However, both bouts sold over 340,000 homes each and generated huge profits for all parties involved. As of right now, it?s still not clear that Diaz, who has never headlined a HBO World Championship Boxing card, can hold the ?B? spot of the PPV that Morales and Barrera both did against Pacquiao.
PROBLEM IS EASY TO SOLVE?BUT RISKY
There?s no doubt that Diaz is a worthy opponent for Pacquiao at lightweight and would be better than even money to beat Pacquiao. This potential bout would satisfy every hardcore boxing fans interests. However, casual boxing fans that mostly watch PPVs, may not be willing to invest money on a match-up where one fighter is really unknown. Even if Barrera was vastly outmatched against Pacquiao, most fans remember Barrera as a legend and wanted to see him try to pull one out.
SHADES OF TYSON & LEWIS?
Even if virtually all of the boxing experts picked Lennox Lewis to easily handle Mike Tyson in 2002, people still bought the PPV. Another over-hyped miss-match was Floyd Mayweather?s destruction of Arturo Gatti. To Barrera?s credit, he was still a ?pound for pound? fighter after his loss to Pacquiao, having good wins (against Erik Morales, Rocky Juarez (twice), Robbie Peden and Mzonke Fana) and had far better recent credentials going into his ?mismatch? against Pacquiao than Gatti or Tyson possessed. Regarding Diaz-Pacquiao this match will send diehard boxing fans into a frenzy, which could translate to more interest by casual boxing fane. And let?s not forget, somebody at lightweight has to deal with Michael Katsidis.
DIAZ-KATSIDIS POTENTIAL FIGHT OF YEAR?
In boxing and sports in general, there are no guarantees. That being said, it was pretty clear last Sunday the New England Patriots would hammer the winless Miami Dolphins. If there were ever a fight that would be a sure thing fight of the year bout, be Diaz vs. Katsidis is it! The Aussie, now training on both coasts of the United States, holds an impressive record of 23-0, with 23 KOs, and an even more impressive style in the ring. His last two fights against solid Lightweights, Earl Graham and Czar Amonsot, are at least top five candidates for fight of the year (mixed in with both Israel Vasquez-Rafael Marquez wars). Katsidis is the same boat as Diaz when his comes to heart, determination, and willingness to exchange punches. However, Katisdis biggest advantage over Diaz is his punching power. But in truth, that is evened out with a lack of defense and his getting cut easily. Those intangibles make this bout a must see as well as create another superstar that boxing needs.
DIAZ-PACQUIAO PERFECT FOR FALL 2008
Assuming Diaz can get passed an opponent like Katsidis and Pacquiao does follow through with his plans of moving up to 135 lbs., the two fighting machines could and should collide on the precious September date during Mexican Independence weekend. Recently, the date has been downgraded with star power match ups, but traditionally the date has hosted boxing?s biggest bouts. Oscar De La Hoya?s biggest bouts have taken place in September as well as Bernard Hopkins? historical win over Felix Trinidad.
CHALLENGES MAKES FIGHTERS GREAT!
The problem with unbeatable fighters like Floyd Mayweather (now) and Roy Jones Jr. (then) is that the fact that their greatness will never be truly tested. How great would it have been for Roy to face Dariusz Michalczewski during 1999-2002? Michalezswski was considered Jones? biggest threat but that fight never materialized because of Roy being a jerk. Oscar De La Hoya?s huge mega bouts were against opponents who were perceived threats to De La Hoya?even some were betting favorites. This brings us to Manny Pacquiao, one of the top boxing stars today and a living icon in the Philippines. Next week, an examination of future Pacquiao opponents will be discussed. For now, I pose this question: is it better for you the fans that Pacquiao continues winning bouts at 130. or he should he take the dangerous risk of fighting Diaz and possibly losing?
