LAS VEGAS?Even a tough guy like David Diaz has a soft spot in his heart. Mention his family and the World Boxing Council lightweight champion quickly gets emotional.
Speaking during the final press conference of the Manny Pacquiao-Diaz showdown, Diaz choked and cut short his speech when he spotted his father, Anselmo, among the crowd in Wednesday?s press conference at the Media Center of the Mandalay Bay Resort.
?He?s my first best friend,? Diaz said. ?He?s the man I look up to. Doesn?t read, doesn?t write, and he still took care of nine kids. He loves boxing like I do.?
The 74-year-old Anselmo, a Mexican immigrant from Chicago who doesn?t speak English up to now, also taught his children the philosophy that fate is in one?s own hands.
On June 28, Diaz will get the chance to prove his worth when he risks his title against Pacquiao.
?We?ll trade some blood,? said Diaz, referring to Pacquiao, who?s a 4-1 favorite in their HBO pay-per-view title bout. ?We?ll throw bombs.?
?I?m in good condition, I will be there (fight) and I will stay there no matter what happens,? said Diaz. ?I have to go out there and perform.?
