Though no recent photos have been allowed, insiders are claiming: ?David Diaz is ripped and ready to go.? To get ready the lightweight champ has been sparring with boxers who are a lot heavier than himself, some weighing in at 160 pounds. Diaz wants to get used to the heavy barrage of punches that the Filipino fireball is known for. Right or wrong, his management has stated on various occasions that they are less afraid of the power of Pacquiao since Pacquiao is the one coming up in weight.
While their thinking may have some relevance, they should note that Pacquiao?s walk around weight is normally 155 lbs. and in his last few fights he was concerned about making weight and weighed 142lbs. on fight night. Diaz on the other hand weighed more than that during his fights with Morales, Santa Cruz, and Montano. To add validity to their assertion that Pacquiao will now have less knock-out power is the fact Pacquiao was unable to KO either of his last two opponents who were at 130lbs. Now how can he expect to KO an even bigger man?
?Pacquiao is moving into a brand new division without having tested the waters. Questions arise as to whether he’ll carry the same punching power up to 135 pounds as well as his ability to take a punch by a true lightweight. When he takes on Diaz he?ll find out and maybe the hard way. Diaz is no pushover, has loads of stamina, a busy work rate and someone who is going to defend his crown. Manny hasn’t exactly been 100% focused for the fight especially given the fact that he started training camp late. His mind is everywhere. He?s been busy in the Philippines ? has a band, a book planned, plays golf every Sunday, and has had trouble making the weight up to this point. I’m not going to say that Manny is overlooking Diaz, but he’s already talking about a fight with Hatton. What if Manny shows up thinking he’ll mow down Diaz and finds out that the WBC champ isn’t going anywhere?? The Diaz camp should be concerned about the famed hand speed of Pacquiao. If Pacquiao can stay clear of mixing it up with Diaz, the ?Pac Man? can easily outpoint his opponent.
While Diaz has always admired Pacquiao as a great champion, he knows that Pacquiao is his ticket to fame. ?If I beat him and a re-match is arranged, can you just imagine the purse I will get?? is a direct quote. The question is does Diaz have his eyes on the prize or is he blinded by the dollar signs?
