[Boxing] Diaz vs Pacquiao

[Rappy Veteran]

Newly-crowned World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight champion Manny Pacquiao and WBC lightweight champion David Diaz will battle in a 12-round rumble with Diaz's title at stake. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions, Pacquiao vs. Diaz will take place Saturday, June 28, at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT.

"This will be my hardest-fought battle," said Pacquiao. "It's been over three years since I have changed weight divisions and I will be doing it against the lightweight division's world champion. I saw how he took the fight to Erik Morales in his last title defense and I'm expecting to see the same firepower out of him when we meet. But this is my drive for five. Five world titles in five different weight classes and I will not be denied. I am fighting for history, for destiny and for my people of the Philippines."

"Manny Pacquiao has beaten many great fighters, especially Mexicans like Morales, Barrera, Marquez, Larios and Solis. That's why they call him "The Mexicutioner," said Diaz.

"I will shock the world and beat Pacquiao at his own game, power for power. He's a great champion but he's fighting in my division - lightweight. I have worked too hard for this world title and I will not give it up to him."

Going to be a very interesting fight, I can see Pacman scraping this.

[digipoi]

Paq will be in for a tough night. At least he ain't fighting Campbell or Cassamayor. Hate buying this card only for the main event :hmmm:

Diaz vows to end curse!

Hall of Fame Top Rank promoter Bob Arum (ctr) speaks during a press conference above the Pacific Ocean at the west end of the historic Santa Monica Pier today as "Billy the Goat" looks on. Chicago-born WBC lightweight champion David Diaz (not pictured) proclaims that when he defeats three-time world champion Manny Pacquiao (L) of the Philippines it will lift the curse at Wrigley Field. The Curse of the Billy Goat is a curse on the Chicago Cubs that was started in 1945. Diaz and Pacquiao will battle for the WBC lightweight championship on Top Rank's "Lethal Combination" show, live on HBO Pay-Per-View Saturday,June 28 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

Monday, June 23 2008

Quote of the Day!

"I liked the goat. Goat is my favorite food."

Manny Pacquiao on the billy goat wearing a Chicago Cubs baseball cap that was on display during Monday's Santa Monica Pier press event. (Photo: Chris Farina/Top Rank)

Wednesday, June 25 2008

[digipoi]

Tomorrow!

Pacquiao 134.5, Diaz 135!

Manny Pacquiao 134.5 vs David Diaz 135

(WBC Lightweight Championship)

Steven Luevano 126 vs Mario Santiago 125

(WBO Featherweight Championship)

Humberto Soto 130 vs Francisco Lorenzo 130

(WBC interim super featherweight title)

Tye Fields 265 vs Monte Barrett 220

Venue: Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas

Promoter: Top Rank

TV: HBO PPV

Friday, June 27 2008

Fightnews.com

[Rappy Veteran]

This fight is going to be off the hook!

[digipoi]

I thought Santiago dominated enough with heavy shots to pull this one off.

n a surprisingly exciting fight that surpassed all expectations, WBO featherweight champion Steven Luevano (35-1-1, 15 KOs) and Mario Santiago (19-1-1, 14 KOs) battled to a twelve round draw. Both fighters were down in round two and took turns rocking each other thereafter. Santiago slowly began getting the better of it only to have Luevano surge late. Scores were 117-111 Luevano, 115-113 Santiago and 114-114. Luevano retains his title.

This is what happens when a boxer fights a poser.

Heavyweight Monte Barrett (34-6, 20 KOs) quickly chopped down 6'9 Tye Fields (40-2, 35 KOs) in just 57 seconds. It only took a few punches to send the big man crashing to the canvas. Referee Kenny Bayless wasted no time in waving it off.

bull**** stoppage. Tarnishes boxing.

In a controversial fight, heavily favored super featherweight contender Humberto Soto (43-7-2, 27 KOs) punished Francisco Lorenzo (33-4, 14 KOs) for four rounds, but it was Lorenzo who claimed the interim version of Manny Pacquiao's WBC 130lb belt. In round four, Soto dropped the 36-year-old Lorenzo twice, however after the second knockdown Soto clipped Lorenzo after he took a knee. With blood streaming from his face, Lorenzo remained on the deck. Referee Joe Cortez spent several minutes consulting with other NSAC officials before deciding to DQ Soto.

The main event wasn't even close. I'm pretty sure ALL households would have thrown in the towel earlier if it were your corner.

The legend of Manny Pacquiao continued to grow on Saturday night before 8,326 at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas as the Pacman added a world title in his fourth weight division. Pacquiao (47-3-2, 35 KOs) dethroned WBC lightweight titleholder David Diaz (34-2-1, 17 KOs) via ninth round KO in a brilliant display. Pacquiao was much quicker as he out punched and out boxed the naturally bigger man. Diaz was busted up by Pacman's sharp punching and it was target practice by round five. The gutsy Diaz kept coming, however, until Pacquiao floored him in the ninth to end it. Time was 2:24.

Paq was impressive against a tailor made opponent. I thought it would be closer but Paq's camp knew something we didn't expect. Then again, he may have needed his brawler style if it were Cassamayor or Campbell. Hatton will be tough and after this fight its intriguing. Not that I would change my mind and believe Paq stands a chance. I would still love it though. Paq owns some serious speed. Damn.

Credits to Fightnews.com for photos and quotes.

[Rappy Veteran]

Paq was off the hook last night, further proves why he is one of the best in the world, Hatton will get killed if he steps in there.

[digipoi]

Paq was off the hook last night, further proves why he is one of the best in the world, Hatton will get killed if he steps in there.

Hatton killed? Paq will need to carry his power up one more weight against a person that used to getting punched by bigger opponents.

[Rappy Veteran]

I feel Hatton is passed it thats why I say it against lacanzo he was awful he laboured to a decision.

[digipoi]

I feel Hatton is passed it thats why I say it against lacanzo he was awful he laboured to a decision.

Hatton has good work rate and maybe he lost a little something against Mayweather. He definitely doesn't want any DLH.

That said, I would really like to see Paq vs. Hatton and would back Paq the whole time. I got to see him up close and personal. Just like on tv, the guy smiles at everything and everyone. He is fast and destroys his sparring opponents with ease. Great great guy. Excellent professional.