LAS VEGAS ? There?s a very big reason why David Diaz, the WBC lightweight champion from the US, wants Manny Pacquiao to win over Juan Manuel Marquez.
He?s next in line against Pacquiao if the Filipino comes out victorious on Saturday.
But the 31-year-old Diaz will have to do his share as he stakes his title against Mexico?s Ramon Montano in the main undercard of the Pacquiao-Marquez bill.
He needs to take care of Montano first before he could think about Pacquiao.
?We have a tough fight against Montano here so we have to take care of that first then worry about him after the fight,? he said Wednesday.
Montano served as one of Pacquiao?s sparring partners during his training for the coming fight, and he?s no push-over.
While Diaz wants Pacquiao to win, he said it?s actually a tough call.
?Oh man, this is a tough one to call. I don?t want to be betting on it. But I think Pacquiao will be the favorite to win,? he said.
Bob Arum of Top Rank, who handles both Pacquiao and Diaz, said victories by his two fighters on Saturday will set up their own clash in June.
There are two venues being considered, MGM Grand in Las Vegas and one in Macau. They?re looking at two dates, too, on June 21 and a week later on the 28th.
Whatever the final decision may be, Diaz said he?s got to defend his title.
?I know the deal, if I beat Montano and Pacquiao beats Marquez, then the Filipino will climb to 135 pounds to try to snatch the belt from me. I like the idea that he wants my title,? he said.
?And if we both win, maybe they can already announce our fight. A champion must defend his title where he is. If my promoter tells me to defend my title there (Macau) I will go there,? said Diaz who traces his roots in Mexico.
?The only problem is if Marquez wins, since they have a contract clause for a rematch and a third fight if Marquez wins. Then I will have to look for another opponent,? he added.
