It's Official!
Manny Pacquiao’s quest for boxing glory and history continues as he climbs in weight at 135 lbs to challenge the reigning WBC Lightweight Champion David Diaz for the latter’s belt on June 28, 2008 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao, the Filipino sensation won a hard- fought controversial split- decision over Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico and will try to annex his 2nd title for the year and if he emerges victorious against the very- technical Diaz will be the first Asian to be crowned champion in 4 separate weight division.
This is a fight where Manny Pacquiao will be the overwhelming favorite but a Diaz upset is not far- fetched since this will be the Pacman’s first fight at 135 and Diaz is a natural 135 and many are questioning his ability to adjust that quickly as well as whether he can bring his vaunted punching power against heavier fighters. Also under the rules of the Nevada Athletic Commission for fighters weighing 135 lbs and above, he will need to wear 10 oz “pillow” boxing gloves rather than the usual 8 oz “puncher’s” glove that he prefers which might affect his power in the end.
But Manny Pacquiao who first fought and became champion as a Light Flyweight and added two more belts in his climb to become a three division champion have defied the odds before and I’m confident that he can overcome whatever physical disadvantages that he has against David Diaz if only he will put his mind into it.
Tickets are priced at $600, $500, $400, $300, $200 and $100 and will be on sale on Saturday, April 19 at the Mandalay Box Office (Tel. No. 702- 632- 7580) and in its website as well as Ticketmaster (Tel. No. 702- 474- 400). HBO will also televise the fight live on pay-per-view.
Be the judge as we take a look of David Diaz boxing prowess as he eked out a controversial decision against Erik Morales in what many fight experts and fans alike believed that El Terrible won the fight but lost it in the scorecards.
Click on the link for the Full Fight-
David Diaz vs Erik Morales
