LAS VEGAS ? Even David Diaz believes that Manny Pacquiao will be just as strong as a lightweight as he was as a super-featherweight.
The American champion who proudly traces his roots to Mexico said Pacquiao climbing one division higher doesn?t make him a lesser fighter.
Diaz said Pacquiao should have no problem making weight this time, after some difficulty doing so in his last few fights in the 130-lb division.
?He?s not gonna struggle to make 130 pounds and he doesn?t have to do the stressful diet and that will be good for him,? said Diaz.
The 32-year-old champion is a natural featherweight, fighting at 139 even during his amateur days that brought him to the Olympics.
He said Pacquiao moving up five pounds heavier will have little effect on his overall skills.
?A little bit of speed maybe but I don?t think five pounds will drag him down to the bottom of the sea,? said Diaz here at Mandalay Bay.
?Five pounds won?t be that much.?
