?PACQUIAO IS MY TICKET TO FAME? ? DAVID DIAZ
By Ed de la Vega, DDS
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 16 Jun 2008
Los Angeles, CA:- A friend of mine who is a boxing enthusiast recently came from Chicago where he visited the David Diaz training camp. He indicated to me, during a conversation yesterday at the Lake Street Park at the Historic Filipino Town that Diaz is all set and ready to rumble. ?He is ripped and ready to go?, was his description of Diaz.
Diaz, he said has been sparring with boxers who are a lot heavier than him, some coming in at 150 to 160 pounds. Diaz is sparring with them to get used to the heavy punches he expects to get from the Filipino fireball, Manny Pacquiao.
He further stated that members of the Team Diaz are not concerned, much less afraid of the power of Pacquiao because Pacquiao may not carry such to the lightweight division.
While it is true that Pacquiao in his last fights weighed as much as 142lbs on fight night, Diaz on the other hand weigh more than that during his fights with Morales, Santa Cruz, and Montano. So, they are not too concerned about the vaunted power of Pacquiao. ?If he can not KO his last two opponents who were at 130lbs. how can he expect to KO a 135 pounder??
The Diaz camp is more concerned about the famed hand speed of Pacquiao. Team Diaz also told him that they have no answer to the hand speed of Pacquiao and they will just keep their battle plan which they said will be enough to mitigate whatever advantage Pacquiao has in hand speed. ?We have a surprise for them?, they said.
?We know he is fast, but how much can he take from the power of a legitimate lightweight who can hit like a welterweight??
My source implied that what was most impressive during his visit to the Diaz camp, was the fact that Diaz is a very well-mannered and an entertaining person. ?He is so professional? was how he described him. And, he did not seem bothered by his presence even after being told that he was talking to someone close to Pacquiao.
He indicated that Diaz adores and admire Pacquiao as a person but in spite of that he will not just hand his belt to him. Pacquiao must beat him if he wants the belt.
Diaz also indicated to him that ?Pacquiao is my ticket to fame. If I beat him and a re-matched is arranged, can you just imagine the purse I will get??
When asked about the Homer Sayson incident, he informed that Sayson was not admitted or rather was asked to leave the gym because he was taking pictures of Diaz. The Team Diaz apparently has a blackout on photos and videos while sparring. Apparently, they are fearful of ?leaks? that may eventually get to Team Pacquiao.
Top photo: Diaz during an LA presscon. Photo by Dr. Ed de la Vega.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ed de la Vega, DDS.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Apolinario to fight Hu in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 21 Apr 2025Warriors Shoot Down Rockets, 95-85 as Celtics, Cavaliers, Thunder Take Care of Business
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 21 Apr 20252025 USA Boxing International Open Finalized on Saturday
Mon, 21 Apr 2025Verano to face Thai in Clash of Nations on April 24
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 21 Apr 2025Masangkay to fight Ocampo in JAS on April 23
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Denver Holds Off LA Clippers in OT, 112-110
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Arca clinches 3rd and final IM norm; Guns for GM norm in last round
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025IN HER GOLDEN GIRL ERA: GABRIELA “SWEET POISON” FUNDORA SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDS UNDISPUTED TITLE AGAINST MARILYN BADILLO
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Fundora Retains Undisputed Flyweight Titles; Perez Shocks Conwell in Oceanside
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Dalton Smith Drops Mathieu German Three Times, Retains WBC Silver Title
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Filipino GM Antonio beats Serbia's IM for share of lead in Caberra Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Villanueva to fight Antaran on April 27 in Gensan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 20 Apr 2025MASOUD AND MCGRAIL CLASH IN ALL-BRITISH SHOWDOWN
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Semifinals Conclude at 2025 USA Boxing International Open
Sun, 20 Apr 2025FM Arca is inching closer to his 3rd and final IM norm
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025