FightFan.com staff share their thoughts on tonight’s eagerly anticipated showdown between Manny Pacquiao and David Diaz!
Ace Freeman: This is Pacquiao?s time to shine. I believe he has some pressure in this situation as the sport looks to him to stand up as it?s top fighter and main attraction, but the weight of millions riding on his shoulders has never slowed him down before. I liken this fight to Floyd Mayweather challenging Carlos Baldomir, with the sport?s top recognized fighter, up several classes in weight, challenging a strong but somewhat limited title holder. Although Mayweather used his boxing prowess to dominate Baldomir on the score cards, I expect Pacquiao to display his dominance through the damage his fists will inflict on route to a late round stoppage or a bruising decision win. In the end for Pacquiao to affirm himself as the sport?s top fighter, he needs to beat David Diaz decisively.
Joe Bruiser: Pacquiao on the score cards. He will hammer on Diaz for twelve rounds, but Diaz will hang in there because he?s a tough fighter.
Alden ?The Kid? Chodash: Manny Pacquiao is going to win this fight. He?s just too quick. The only question going in to the fight is Pacquiao bringing his power up to 135 pounds. He?s fighting a physically strong 135 pounder in David Diaz who has fought at 140 pounds. The question is, can he bring up the speed and power he had at 130 to 135. Diaz can take a punch, but I expect Pacquiao to wear him down and am leaning towards a latter round stoppage.
Luis Torres: Pacquiao by decision.
