Whether he gets the fight or not, David Diaz considers himself fortunate enough to be named as possible foe of Manny Pacquiao. In an overseas telephone interview with this writer, Diaz said all his promoter assured him is that he is still in the running as a possible Pacquiao foe in March 2008.
?To be honest I?m just treating it like rumors because nothing is concrete so I?m fortunate and happy that at least I?m one of the guys whose going to face Manny Pacquiao,? said Diaz who fights under the Top Rank/8Count banners.
Diaz, 31, is one of two fighters being considered by Pacquiao?s American promoters Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank, Inc. He holds the World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight crown. The other fighter who many thought has the inside track in getting the March 15 bout with Pacquiao is Juan Manuel Marquez, the WBC super featherweight kingpin.
?We?re still a possibility. I?m just like anybody else, just waiting and see who Pacquiao decides to fight,? said Diaz. ?If ever it will be a great fight because our fight will always be at the center of the ring.?
Conflicting reports continue to come out of the Pacquiao camp with the same personalities belying their own statements day after day. Everything however can still be considered as rumor unless Pacquiao, whose penchant for changing his mind in a snap is well-known, and his foe finally signs the dotted line.
In the same interview Diaz (33-1-1, 17 KO?s) said he still has to hear any concrete offer from Top Rank big boss Bob Arum if ever Pacquiao chooses to vie for the world lightweight crown.
?Right now I know where I stand. I?m not the guy who will demand all these outrageous money when I know that he?s the one putting in the people,? said Diaz. ?I understand the situation and the wars Manny has been so there’s no possible way for me to say I want more money than Pacquiao.?
Diaz however is hopeful that a bout with Pacquiao will finally earn for him the recognition he?s been longing for.
?Given that I am the champion, I?m not known around the world. But once I take this fight and people see me fight and God willing I become victorious, everybody will know me,? said Diaz.
Marquez on the other hand recently declared that he has accepted the terms offered to him and that it?s all up to Pacquiao to decide if he will finally accept Marquez as his next opponent come March.
Meantime, Pacquiao?s American trainer Freddie Roach seems to be having some peace of mind now that the direction of his ward?s next bout is leaning towards a Marquez rematch.
?I already discussed with Manny his training schedule. And if Marquez gets the fight then that is a very important fight for Manny,? said Roach.
Roach has been very vocal about seeing his prized boxer battling Marquez and settle their unresolved 12-round split draw which happened May of 2004 in Las Vegas. Since it?s a March bout for Manny we will prepare for two weeks in the Philippines. The next eight weeks, we will do it here,? said Roach.
The well-liked trainer disclosed that GBP and Top Rank are currently working on the financial deals of the now highly probable Pacquiao-Marquez rematch.
Roach added that Pacquiao deserves to get at least $5-million if Marquez gains the right to stand across the ring with the Filipino prizefighter come March 15. Both Top Rank and GBP have reserved that date with giant network HBO as Pacquiao?s initial ring appearance for 2008.
A December 20 presser in Los Angeles is being prepared by the promoters to formally announce Pacquiao?s next bout. Arum is said to be planning to join the December 17 birthday bash of Pacquiao in General Santos City. Arum will fly back to the US with Pacquiao together with the fighter?s wife and kids.
