FERNANDO VARGAS TO SUPPORT DIAZ
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 22 Jun 2008
Former light middleweight champion Fernando Vargas, one of the most exciting fighters in his time plans to support World Boxing Council lightweight champion David Diaz when he steps into the ring to defend his title against Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas next Sunday, Manila Time.
Vargas plans to use his experience and motivational personality to inspire his friend and for Olympic teammate Diaz according to Roman Modrowski of the Chicago Sun Times.
Vargas who is now an actor was quoted as saying ?David is my boy. I?m excited about being there.?
Diaz himself conceded ?this is a big fight and he?s been a good friend to me since even before the (1996) Olympics.?
Modrowski noted that Vargas has been careful not to bother Diaz too often with phone calls while he?s training but had offered tips. Vargas said Diaz knows what to do adding ?I just told him to be smart.?
Vargas noted that Pacquiao was moving up in weight and he?s ?never been in with a fighter like David (Diaz) who is going to be stronger and more intelligent.?
Vargas thinks that Diaz who is a 4-1 underdog has a good chance of winning. Vargas has seen Diaz overcome long odds before when he beat highly favored Zab Judah in a box-off to make the US Olympic team when not many people thought Diaz could win.
He said Diaz ?put it on him (Judah) with his intelligence and courage. He has guts and that?s something you can?t instill in a fighter. Either you have it or you don?t. You can?t give courage to a coward. Davis has heart, but he also has skill.?
Asked about the fact that Pacquiao may take Diaz lightly, Vargas replied ?that?s great. I hope he does. Then my man can capitalize.?
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