DIAZ TELLS PACQUIAO: 'I ACCEPT YOUR CHALLENGE'
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 21 Jul 2006
Following what he construed as a direct challenge from superstar Manny Pacquiao, World Boxing Association lightweight champ Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz made no bones about his desire to take on the Filipino pound for pound great after the latter was quoted as saying he could easily beat Diaz.
Diaz had beaten Filipino Randy Suico last Sunday via a ninth-round technical knockout underneath the Shane Mosley-Fernando Vargas tiff to retain his WBA lightweight crown at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino.
Moments after the win, Pacquiao was quoted as saying he knows the way to beat Diaz.
"Bring it on. I accept your challenge. Now let's see what happens," Diaz told Pacquiao in his public challenge over at popular boxing website Boxingtalk.
Asked on a possible pay-per-view showdown with Pacquiao, the undefeated Diaz said: "I think it would be great and my manager told me that he wants to fight me now that I beat his (Pacquiao) countryman."
Diaz has recently been calling out linear lightweight king Diego Corrales for a much-awaited showdown, but following Pacquiao's pronouncements, he has been forced to take a look at the Filipino icon.
Pacquiao is himself gearing up for a November 18 rubbermatch with Erik Morales in Las Vegas, so if a fight with Diaz was to materialize, it could happen sometime early or middle next year.
WBC super-featherweight champ Marco Antonio Barrera is also trying to lure Pacquiao to a rematch following his eleventh-round shaming at the hands of the Filipino icon.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
BROADCAST TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR “CHAMPIONING MENTAL HEALTH: A NIGHT OF BOXING” ON THURSDAY, MAY 22
Wed, 14 May 2025UNBEATEN AMATEUR WORLD CHAMPION TIAH-MAI AYTON SIGNS PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM
Wed, 14 May 2025Arum Targets Manila Rematch: Navarrete vs. Suarez 2 Eyed for Thrilla in Manila Anniversary
By Dong Secuya, Wed, 14 May 2025Ron Johnson’s American Dream Presents & Nothing But Sportz Announce “The Caribbean Clash” Boxing Event at Miami’s James L. Knight Center on Saturday, August 9
Wed, 14 May 2025Francis Chua is Fighting for Family in Comeback fight as he eyes Future fight with Harry Garside
Tue, 13 May 2025Pacquiao Falls Short in Senate Bid, Eyes WBC Title in Stunning Boxing Comeback
By Dong Secuya, Tue, 13 May 2025Navarrete Vs. Suarez – To Right the Wrong
By Ed de la Vega, DDS, Tue, 13 May 2025Injustice in San Diego
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 13 May 2025Charly Suarez Appeals Controversial Loss to Navarrete, California Commission to Rule June 2
By Dong Secuya, Tue, 13 May 2025ALOYSIUS YAPP CROWNED 2025 UK OPEN CHAMPION IN RUTHLESS FINAL PERFORMANCE
Mon, 12 May 2025Suarez loss may be overturned
By Joaquin Henson, Mon, 12 May 2025Adones Cabalquinto Confirmed to Fight Qamil Balla on Peter Maniatis Events card in Melbourne on June 13
Mon, 12 May 2025SOUTO AND YAPP SET FOR TITLE SHOWDOWN | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Mon, 12 May 2025Referee and Ringside Doctor Save Emanuel Navarrete
By Ed de la Vega, DDS, Sun, 11 May 2025Technically Speaking: Navarrete Edges Suarez to Retain Crown
Sun, 11 May 2025