David Diaz's Fights Short Review

The boxing career of David Diaz is not that colorful or exciting than his upcoming opponent, Manny Pacquiao, but he showed a valuable ring performances. His life is meant to be a boxer. At very young age he fascinated this game, until such time that he auditioned to the US Olympic qualifier as a junior welterweight, in which time he scored upset win against Zab Judah.

After Olympic chance he turned into professional. In his pro debut he beat a big guy Marcos Antonio Rodriguez via unanimous decision win.

The first 26 fights of his young career as professional he won it convincingly, until it came the counter puncher Kendall Holt, who knocked him out in the 8^th round. This lost shaped and transformed him as a real fighter in his next fights, knocking out Tyrone Wiggins in the 3^rd round, and in the fight against John Trigg, whom he out-boxed to unanimous decision win.

The bout against Juan Polo Perez marked his debut fight in the lightweight division, whom he scored a knock out victory in the 3^rd round. The most difficult fight he encountered in the lightweight was against the undefeated Ramazin Palayani of Georgia, they ended into a controversial draw decision.

After Palayani fights he collected two wins via unanimous decisions against Silverio Ortiz and Christian Favela, which landed him a shot to fight for the interim Word Boxing Council (WBC) title bout against the long reach Jose Armando Santa Cruz. He was rated then as the underdog; in fact he was out-boxed by Santa Cruz until in the 10^th round, where Diaz scored a stunning wild shot to the chin of Santa Cruz that made the latter wobble and sent his pant to the canvas.

Later, Diaz awarded the belt after the current WBC lightweight champion Jose Luis Castillo failed to make the weight limit in his title defends against Diego Corrales.

Again, he was then put in the underdog situation against Erik Morales, when he is entitled to defend his belt last August 4. Surprisingly the underdog seems doing a great job he pushed Morales in awkward performance, and he was the aggressive. He scored a unanimous decision win.

His last outing was on March 15, a non title fight against Ramon Montano, a tune-up bout before he go to defend his title against the very popular and Philippine national treasure Manny Pacquiao on June 28, 2008, at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The fight dubbed as “Lethal Combination”.

Again, he is been tallied as the underdog to this “Lethal Combination” showdown. Many boxing fans around the world see it would be the end of David Diaz boxing belt, or could be the end of his boxing career. Thus, many boxing expert expecting that this would be a bloody and messy fight, they are both aggressive, and both camps promised an action pack battle of punches.

Well, let us just mark our calendar, June 28, 2008, is the “Lethal Combination” day.

Next issue: “Manny Pacquiao’s Possible Next Opponents”

The Lightweights Threats For Manny Pacquiao

For power there is no question that Manny Pacquiao is gifted; this is the great weapon aside from speed he had that placed him in the limelight of stardom. His fighting style is the world loved to see. His dedication and attitude in the ring is superb, no question.

But he is moving in the lightweight. Many boxing aficionados and fans thinking the same question, “Is his moving up for his greatness or for money?” Whatever is the real score, the only certain for now he is moving up, and scheduled to fight to a lightweight champion, David Diaz, this coming June 28, 2008, dubbed as “Lethal Combination” at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

I discussed on previous issue that Pacquiao’s moving up to lightweight is no problem medically or physiologically for a typical Filipino 5’6” height athlete.

We focus on the subject of this issue.

Who are legitimate lightweights out there that give serious threat to Pacquiao?

There are many lightweights in the business that are much bigger than Pacquiao, or even equally or more powerful. They are Nate “The Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell (32-5-25) the IBF, WBA, WBO lightweight champion; Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz (33-1-17); Joel “El Cepillo” Casamayor (36-3-23-1).

I see a biggest threat against Amir Khan (17-0-13), an Olympian silver medalist, young and promising lightweight. At the age of 21 he is the commonwealth lightweight champion in United Kingdom. Has a very advantage height at 5’10. He defeated the experienced and very tough Gairy St. Clair (40-6-17) by unanimous decision. But for now he is just too young for Pacquiao, and did not have so much to offer against Pacquiao's resume by far.

All of the aforementioned has the potential on beating Pacquiao, they are bigger than Pacquiao, they are natural lightweight, and used to fight in this division most of their boxing career. Their body are accustomed and determined to fight on this division. But I still bet Pacquiao has the bigger chance on beating them if he shown stunning and convincing performance against David Diaz. Let us just wait and see.

I’m not surprise if after the “Lehal Combination” bout against David Diaz, whatever is the outcome, he moves back to the 130 lbs as Super Featherweight, where he is the division king.

Next issue: “David Diaz’s Fights Short Review’

Is The Lightweight Division Best for Manny Pacquaio?

Manny Pacquiao said, "Well at 135 lbs I fell comfortable, and more stronger at that weight. It's easier for me to make that weight," in an exclusive interview with Brad Cooney published in the website boxingherald.com. He futher said that he usually weight at 150 lbs when he is not in training for fight.

Well, in the normal body mass index (BMI) of the Filipino in particular, 150-165 lbs are normal weights to a person with the height of 5'6" if he is not athletic; however, if he is athletic like Pacquiao, weights down to 130-145 lbs are very normal. So, talking about medically and physiologically Pacquiao is much more comfortable with the lightweight division that is 135 lbs.

Talking about his boxing career in the lightweight division. Pacquiao has a big chance to excel in this division, and even he can unify the lightweight belts. He said earlier in his boxing interviews that he is accustomed in the 130 lbs weight, so there is no question he can't do also in 135 lbs which is barely 2 kilos difference.

The speed and power we usually seen in his explosive fights will be the same in this division.

But it is not like an overnight change, not magic, and cannot be done in one set-up. He must to endure first the extra 5 pounds weight he will carry inside the ring. And I don't like to say it but fighting against a legitimate lightweight champion without tune-up bout, if indeed he can handle the lightweight division, is a bad idea. As I said he must to endure and analyzed first his body on how it is going to react with this weight division.

But this upcoming much anticipated June 28 "Lethal Combination" is the first endurance test for Manny Pacquiao. Well, let us just observe his performance if he can withstand with the legitimate lightweight punches of David Diaz.

Though, many of boxing observer tallied +330 for Diaz, Pacquiao is heavily favorite in this showdown. But we all know that Diaz is bigger person, and used to fight in junior welterweight, hence, big impact to his punch if it land to a naturally smaller weight than he is.

Granted that Manny Pacquiao able to stand convincingly in front of Diaz, and knock out Diaz in what ever rounds (as expected by many Pacquiao fans). Then, Pacquiao is legitimate lightweight boxer no reason he cannot do the same to other lightweight big names like Campbell, Casamayor, Katsidis, and other legitimate light weighter.

The June 28, 2008, "Lethal Combination" is the ultimate judging day for all our precaution and prediction.


Next issue: "The Lightweight Threats For Manny Pacquiao"

Manny Pacquiao's Late Training Issue

There are so many people surrounding Manny Pacquiao telling him that the June 28 "Lethal Combination" bout is an easy fight. It was even confirmed by his famous trainer, Freddie Roach, according to the report of Mark Vester in Boxingscene.com dated April 24, 2008, "People tell him that this is an easy fight but the reality it is not. Diaz is a world champion, an Olympian, a southpaw, and fighting him won’t be easy," Roach said.

Manny Pacquiao is a busy man, this would be the dilemma of popularity, and he has many commitments to go on. According to his column in Philboxing.com that the Chinese government had sent him an invitation to tour the impressive facilities to be use for the quadrennial Summer Games, with the proposed date with the end of April or in first week of May. Aside from that he is scheduled to attain a town fiesta in Pinamungahan, Cebu, where his bloodline hailed. Besides that very hectic schedules he go to college everyday to attain his classes at Notre Dame University of Dadiangas, where he took up BS Business Administration.

However, the China trip was eventually scrapped due training reason.

According to the report of ABS-CBN News Online that six to eight weeks training of Pacquiao is enough for Diaz fight.

The reality is in preparing the rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez he needed solid eight weeks of training just to escape a split decision, if not for a third round knock down there would be no "Lethal Combination" that we tackled all throughout.

Many boxing fans, and Pacquiao's fanatic, thinking that Pacquiao's attitude lately will end up his own doomsday. Diaz is not an easy man; he is determined to keep the belt and to showcase his ability, "This is the chance for me to prove myself. I know a lot of the writers out there don't really believe in me. But I believe everything will come out good for me." Diaz said, in an interview with Mark Staniforth of sportinglife.com

"I have the utmost respect for Manny, but I can't allow him to become champion," he added.

Next issue: "Is The Lightweight Division Best for Manny Pacquiao?"

David Diaz's Weak Points

When the head of Top Rank Promotion, Bob Arum, made a press statement that the "Lethal Combination" bout would be a great fight in the lightweight, and Pacquioa must take his part because David Diaz is a tough fighter that he cannot knock David out in the ring. This statement many (mostly boxing fans) considered as a plain business marketing strategy of Arum to sell-out the bout and secure hugh bucks from it.

Many boxing fans in the Philippines knew nothing about Diaz, if not from a tune-up fight against journeyman Ramon Montano on the "Unfinished Business" bout of Pacquiao last March 15, many would go to the media sources like the archive news, to the uploaded videos like the website youtube, for information and reference who the hell David Diaz is.

Simply speaking David Diaz is the current World Boxing Organization (WBC) lightweight champion.

Well, base on the style of boxing Diaz fought with Montano many fans keep thinking that Diaz is not comparable to Pacquiao's caliber. He is a slugger boxer, stay in front to his opponent, throw and absorbing punches. A style suited to the whirlwind combination style of Pacquiao.

Here are my simple analysis why fans thinking Diaz as an easy prey for Pacquiao:

1. His style

2. His defense

3. His chin

4. His wide body

5. His aggression

Diaz's style of boxing is the exact feeding style to Pacquiao's style. Expect it would be a nice explosion inside the ring, those who has the greater power prevails. Diaz same as Pacquiao keeps forward, wildly throwing punches, and the same style absorbing opponents punches.

Diaz has a weak defense, his hand is widely open. This point is the biggest chance of Pacquiao to connect his lethal straight left jabs.

I hate to say this, but Diaz has a weak chin. At his major fights he wobble every time this point hit tremendously. Pacquiao is known for his jaw breaking punch; I guess Diaz would not last longer when Pacquiao able to hit this area several times.

The body of David Diaz is naturally big and wide, has the big box in the upper body, which is easy and vulnerable to the body shots of Pacquiao. I foresee Diaz's body is going to be a punching bag for Pacquiao inside the ring.

Boxing fans around the world knew that Manny Pacquiao is a very aggressive fighter, and never say die attitude in the ring. If this two boxers collides, who are both aggressive, Pacquaio has the advantage. As stated above, Diaz has a weak defense and weak jaw, if Diaz clash into a head-to-head exchange of jabs, he is in great trouble. Pacquiao is known and branded to his compact chin, speed, and power.

This would be a classic fight, worthy to talk about.

Next issue: "Manny Pacquiao's Late Training Issue"

The Dilemma of "Dangerous" David Diaz

According to the report of the very popular Philboxing.com, the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion David Diaz said he will "shock the world on June 28" when he faces boxing idol and Filipino national treasure Manny Pacquiao in their "Lethal Combination" showdown in Las Vegas, Nevada.

This is a very wild imagination from David Diaz, in the eyes of so many Manny Pacquiao fans. Many boxing enthusiast, purist and sports' fan somehow has a result already playing in their minds of what would be the outcome of June 28 "Lethal Combination" promotion of Top Rank. In the equally popular mannypacquiao.ph in their online survey almost 90 percent voted for Pacquiao. As of May 15, 2008, 45.7 percent by KO in late rounds, 29.1 percent for early rounds KO, and 13.1 percent of the voters decide for decision, and a very rare stray votes for draw. The remaining percentage is for Diaz distributed to the same categories. Not surprising because the website has been created to support the campaign of Manny Pacquiao in his quest for world boxing supremacy and bringing honors to the Philippines.

The criticism that surrounds to Diaz today are the same criticism that revolves when he's going to defend his belt against the highly favorite Erik Morales back on March 8, 2007. But surprisingly, he shut them up when he won via unanimous decision.

What is the problem with David, almost nothing would come to believe that he can win against Pacquiao. He is the a champion, yet seems no one recognized it. It's likely that Diaz is just too lucky to have the title that give him the opportunity to face Pacquiao, and Morales previously. In other way he is just a mere boxer.

The problem of David Daiz is his style of boxing it is not the style the fans loved to see.

His style of boxing is the clever slugger style. Same as Pacquiao he is a southpaw. He is a clever slugger southpaw. His movement inside the ring is limited, he just stand in front of his opponent, and wildly throwing punches. Though, he also aggressive in one way or another, but he's not a kind of boxer the world loved to see. His resume by far is not impressive as his upcoming opponent Manny Pacquiao, as his biggest wins speak for it.

The June 28, 2008, is the biggest day for Diaz so far. For Pacquiao it is just his testing day to the milk and honey in the lightweight division. Pacquiao the reigning WBC Super Featherweight champion reportedly got problem making weight in this division.

There is a disparity into these two boxers' point of view on this "Lethal Combination" bout at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. For David Diaz this not only the biggest and important day in his boxing career, but a judgment day that he is not the weakest link in lightweight division. For Pacquiao the title held by Diaz would certainly cemented his boxing legacy, though, he solidified it already the moment he massacred the Mexican legends, and captured the WBC Super Featherweight belt last March 15.

Next issue: "David Diaz's Weak Points"

Pacquiao On Late Rounds: Points By Points

In this issue let us set aside Diaz matter, let’s focus on the eagerness of Pac fans on how Pacquiao going to win or stop Diaz in the bout called “Lethal Combination” of Top Rank Promotion in Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States, on June 28, 2008.

On my last issue, I bet Pacquiao on the late rounds most probably within 9^th-11^th round destructions of Diaz. As I published previously, I foresee another first Pacquiao-Barrera alike demolition of Diaz in the late rounds.

Here are Pacquiao's advantage points:

1. The speed is the biggest factor for Pacquiao, he must capitalize this advantage.

2. Power. That’s the most exciting point of Pacquiao the word loved to see. He proved this area so many times, and the most deadly weapon of Pacquiao in his arsenal.

3. Manny is well known for his very firm chin. I didn’t see Diaz's chance on this point.

4. The muscle covering the abdomen area of Pacquiao is also a great factor. Diaz has a slim opportunity on this spot. Pacquiao is branded on this point.

5. The aggressiveness of Pacquiao, which is known in the whole world. I find so many boring fighters today, but with Pacquiao inside the ring, if can force myself not to blink in his fights I did it, you cannot afford to miss a single blast.

I forbid myself to do further analysis on Pacquiao's advantage points. Only those five above are short listed in my portfolio.

Why speed above on my list? Diaz is a polished slugger. Who do you think win, when a slugger and quick puncher explode inside the four cornered stage? Plus power on the side of quick one, it is definitely a no match. That's the reason I put “speed” first in my list because this is a great advantage.

And for the chin of Pacquiao. Many times that this area is in dangered, but Pacquiao, indeed, has a very compact jaw. I didn’t even see him wobbled seriously when he suffered a tremendous jab from any opponent, even from his lost to the legend Eric Morales, and his two illegitimate defeats to Torrecampo and Singsurat. He was just knocked down then just because of too much drained.

The muscle covering the belly of Pacquiao, every time I see it during his fights, I can’t imagine how he manage it to looks like a marvelous hardened igneous rock.

Lastly, the aggressiveness of Pacquiao certainly complements his winning chance without this all those four listed above are nothing but useless. I mean even one point is out on the list or the number two supersedes the number one spot, Pacquioa probably will be in trouble winning the fight.

Next issue: “The Dilemma of “Dangerous” David Diaz “

My Prediction on Lethal Combination

I first see this rugged man back on February 27, 1999, when he fought at Miccosukee Resort & Gaming, Miami, Florida against a very tough and previously undefeated, Adam Leibowitz (11-2-7) of Pembroke Pines, Florida, where he won via sixth round TKO. He is confident inside the ring, quiet and focused. I am referring here no other than “Dangerous” David Diaz (36-1-17). His record is not really an impressive figures compared to his upcoming opponent, the well-known and boxing superstar, Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao (46-35-3-2). But the “Dangerous” David boxing skills sharpen through his excellent amateur career.

Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao indeed a boxing idol, household name, and a popular elite boxer. Named 2006 Fighter of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America and The Ring magazine. Pacquiao is an icon in boxing, has superb power and skills, known for his destroying punch, determined, and a heart of a lion. He is the Philippines national treasure, most popular even popular than the President. The four weights division champion, and the only boxer in history that captured world champion in 112 pounds and 130 pounds respectively.

June 28, 2008, is a must date it is the "Lethal Combination" day. Who do you think this title 'lethal combination' dedicated to? Certainly, majority would come to think that's for Pacquiao. But don’t take “Dangerous” David for granted, he also has two hands PacMan had and used to. And take note, his been preparing this fight ten weeks in the training camp. While PacMan seems keeping his part lightly. Moreover, though, Pacquiao has exceptional skills, but Diaz is naturally had the bigger box. Diaz is naturally junior welterweight boxer, expected he has the heavier and big fist.

The decision of the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) to use 8-oz boxing gloves instead of 10-oz for the lightweights is not benefited Pacquiao. Look at the scenario, a junior welterweight boxer use 8-oz gloves, what a big impact to his punches then. Yes, Pacquiao has the fist of fury and nice combinations like a whirlwind coming from the Pacific, but take a deep breath “Dangerous” David withstood the same combinations of Eric Morales. Again, comparing the caliber of punches of Morales to Pacquiao is bad analogy. My apology, but I defend to death this universal right of self expression.

Without further ado, no matter what David Diaz has the advantage, I still bet that the “Lethal Combination” is coming from PacMan. In what ever sides of the story, David Diaz is an underdog again to this fight. PacMan is clearly above in the skills, i.e., speed, power, stamina, and aggressiveness. The only skills that I put to Diaz are his ring personality, cleverness and perseverance. Though, Diaz is been fighting in a cool way, head user, and determined during fights, but still has slim chance to beat Pacman's caliber.

When the whirlwind combinations of PacMan connect to Diaz, who I think vulnerable to the ferocious attacks of PacMan, is the end of his title: WBC Lightweight Champion. The chance of Diaz is fervently tied up to his string of lucks he gained against Santa Cruz and Morales, which are to fight in a distance and look for a nice opening. Another is to do the counter attack game plan, same as Juan Manuel Marquez, is another option. We all know that Marquez had imprinted that blueprint of strategy on beating Pacquiao. But I guess changing boxing style is not the same as changing clothes overnight. It’s a very hard assignment. Counter punching is the style of Marquez, while for Diaz is a clever slugger - a style suited to the lethal combination attacks style of PacMan.

I foresee another first Pacquiao-Barrera alike destruction of Diaz. It would be another late round demolitions by Pacquiao after severe punishment in the early rounds. Perhaps within 9^th-11^th round stoppage.

Again, June 28, 2008, is a must date.

Next issue: “Pacquiao On Late Rounds: Points by Points”

David Diaz's Chance To Fame

Who is David Diaz? This is the title of the column written by Robert Morales in 15rounds.com on May 7, 2008. "Never heard him? He is not exactly a household name, but he is the guy who is going to defend his title against Manny Pacquiao (46-3-35) on June 28, in Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Pacquiao, a junior lightweight champion and one of the most popular fighters in the world, is moving up in weight". That exactly the words I copied from Morales' column.

For a little background. David Diaz (36-1-17) is a true blooded Mexican, but American by birth. Born in Chicago Illinois, United States on June 7, 1978. He began his professional boxing career on November 30, 1996, at the age of 18, where he beat Marcos Antonio Rodriguez via unanimous decision. Prior to that professional blast, he is a member in the 1996 US Olympic boxing team in light welterweight division. He has outstanding amateur career records of 75 wins over 16 defeats.

His boxing career highlighted, when he fought a spectacular upset win against brawler Jose Armando Santa Cruz via tenth round TKO. Scores at the time of stoppage: 88-83, 88-83, 87-84 all for Santa Cruz. The win made him the WBC lightweight interim champion, and eventually awarded the belt after the current champion Jose Luis Castillo failed to make the weight limit in the his title defends, a rematch against Diego Corrales.

After Santa Cruz he's scheduled to defend the title against Mexico's legendary fighter, Pacquiao's bitter rival and dethroned, Eric Morales. Again he scored another upset win, he was knocked down in the opening round, but managed to capitalized his boxing skills and controlled the later rounds. He always rated underdog to all his major fights, but always brought the bacon. He proved that he has also the ability to withstand all odds. The first upset he made is when he beat future junior welterweight champion, future undisputed welterweight champion, and future junior middleweight champion, Zab Judah, on 1996 US Olympic qualifying bout. Diaz is a tough slick fighter and knew how to utilize his ability under pressure.

According to Bob Arum, the promoter of these two boxers, no one could knock out Diaz in Pacquiao's weight class. Pacquiao is naturally lighter in weight than Diaz, who I think not only naturally lightweight, but a natural junior welterweight. Majority of his fights come from this weight division. In boxrec.com count the number of bouts he fought in a weight class above 135 pounds. There you can see that 29 out of his 36 fights he fought it in junior welterweight and welterweight. And the only defeat in his career came in the junior welterweight division against Kendall Holt.

Diaz admitted that the June 28 bout is the most important fight in his life, even more important when he out-boxed and outscored the legend Eric Morales (54-6-34). How could anyone can utter that a fight with Pacquiao is a crap? Pacman is a big draw in boxing today. I respect David Diaz he is humble and simple. Besides, fighting with Pacquiao ensured him the biggest payday in his career, accordingly a whopping $900,000 he only received $350,000 when he fought Eric Morales. In an interview with Ron Borges, he said that the purse he would receive from upcoming fight secured his children's future and set-up better college education, "but if I win," he said, "I could set-up David Diaz."

Yes this is the chance of David Diaz to shine in the prestigious boxing elite. In his boxing life he is never been in the limelight. He is the champion, but not a boxing star, a win against Pacquiao would cemented his boxing legacy. This is the chance to make him a big significant part in the business. The business where he is tagged as the weakest lightweight champion. This is the chance to establish himself, a chance to fame in this sweet science, where he is always looked down as an easy prey.

And on June 28, 2008, is the judgment day.


Next issue: "My Prediction on Lethal Combination"

Manny Pacquiao's Road to Fame

There are so many articles that are well written about Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao (46-3-35); it's about time to participate the chunk of his iconic boxing career. More people are longing to witness this exciting fighter, many considered as the best boxer of today's generation. The fact of the matter, many boxing expert and writers considered him second if not on the top in the current pound-for-pound ratings. In the BoxingScene.com in their pound-for-pound rating, although tied in the number one spot with Floyd Mayweather (39-0-25) but still above on the list.

Prior to his boxing legacy he struggled hard, and fought amid of poverty. He even stop schooling because of this systemic problem. He made a living by selling ice candy and bread to support and feed his family's hungry stomach. A responsibility he shouldered when his father left them when he is still barely at grade school. Prone to street danger and menace he has no choice, but to face the hazards and fight back.

At the tender age of ten, he engaged in street fighting (mano-mano) for a small purses still to support their meager situation. Later at the of age fifteen, he went Metro Manila looking for support to his new found passion: boxing. He was then neglected for his young age and skinny posture. But he has the big heart to follow his calling, instead he worked hard in the construction company, and still managed to get some boxing training in an old and dusty boxing gym in the city.

In 1995, he finally turned professional at 106 pounds division (Light flyweight) at the age of 16, fighting in his professional debut at four rounds against Edmund Ignacio on January 22, 1995, which he won via decision, becoming an instant star. He learned his superb power, people instantly recognized, when he knocked out formerly undefeated Dele Desierto via second round TKO. Since there knowing his hidden punching power, he collected more TKO and KO than decision in his later fights, and became instant celebrity in the country.

But his new found fame is not easy as a nursery rhyme. He lost to Rustico Torrecampo by TKO and to the Thai Medgoen Singsurat via third round KO. These defeats in his career, many considered as unacceptable as legitimate defeats. When he fought Torrecampo, clearly he didn't made weight limit at 106 pounds. He forced to use heavier gloves than Torrecampo thereby putting him at disadvantage. Besides he was so exhausted and drained then by fasting too hard. In Singsurat fight, history repeats, he again gained weight, and could not eligible to fight at 112 pounds, so forced again to use heavier gloves, same fate the result was a devastating third round KO by Singsurat.

Following his disturbing lost to Singsurat, Pacquiao gained weight anew this time stopping at the super bantamweight division of 122 lb (55 kg). He stopped journeyman Arnel Barotillo by fourth round KO, where he picked up the WBC International Super Bantamweight title. Defending it five times against all foreign opponents (one of these was Australia's promising and previously undefeated Nedal Hussein) before his next world title fight came. His moving up to 122 pounds weight put a defining mark to his career.

The big break in his boxing life happen on June 23, 2003, when he knocked out South Africa's IBF Super Bantamweight Champion, Lehlohonolo Ledwaba (36-6-23), in the round six on the bout held at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Many boxing enthusiast and purist expect it would be an easy defends for Ledwaba, Pacquiao is just a late replacement. But they were stunned by the ring movement and punching power of Pacquiao. He christened then "The Destroyer".

The most important and cemented boxing legacy, when he saddened the Mexico's best boxers. The whopping eleventh round TKO of the so-called legend Marco Antonio Barrera (63-6-42), which prior to the bout, many boxing analyst and aficionado rated 4:1 for Barrera, but that was a stunning performance of Pacquiao that gave to the boxing world a new heat of excitement. He is called "PacMan". Massacred other Mexican legend Eric Morales (54-6-34) to their epic trilogy and slaughtered other noteworthy Mexicans, Juan Manuel Marquez (48-4-35), Hector Velázquez (48-11-33), Oscar Larios (60-4-37), Jorge Solis (34-1-25), Emmanuel Lucero (23-5-14), Jorge Eliecer Julio (44-5-32). Hence, named " The Mexican Assassin".

His last fight was on March 15, 2008, the four years in the making rematch of Juan Manuel Marquez, who he dropped three times in their first encounter back on May 8, 2004. As expected by many he won the epic rematch, though, via highly controversial spit decision. He is now the WBC and The Ring Magazine Super Featherweight Champion, the former world champion in IBF Super Bantamweight and WBC Flyweight division. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao is the first Filipino, and first Asian to win in three different divisions. And the only fighter in the history of boxing won world title in 112 pounds and 130 pounds divisions respectively.

He is scheduled to fight in another weight division at 135 pounds (Lightweight) on June 28, 2008 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada. The fight against another true blooded Mexican, but American by birth, David Diaz (36-1-17). Diaz is WBC Lightweight Champion. A fight many considered tailored-made for Pacquiao's legacy.




Next issue:"David Diaz's Chance to Fame"