Thursday, May 15, 2008 Pacquiao’s trainer: Diaz sturdy but Manny is fast
EVEN if a lot of people think that the much-awaited debut of World Boxing super featherweight champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao to the world of lightweights against David Diaz for the WBC lightweight crown on June 28 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas would be a walk in the park, his long-time trainer Buboy Fernandez thinks differently.
Fernandez believes that the Filipino superstar shouldn’t underestimate Diaz in their upcoming war.
According to a report posted at philboxing.com, Fernandez has been closely studying Diaz’s previous fights and he believes that the native of Chicago is very sturdy because no matter how much he gets knocked down, he always had the strength to stand up and fight back.
But Fernandez said Pacquiao edges Diaz out in the speed aspect because Diaz is relatively slower.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao’s wife Jinkee and friend, World Boxing Organization bantamweight king Gerry “Fearless” Peñalosa are not worried about Pacquiao’s fight against Diaz.
Relaxed
After witnessing how Diaz fights in last March 16’s “Unfinished Business” undercard battle between Diaz and Pacquiao sparring mate Ramon Mon–tano, Jinkee is confident that Pacquiao is in for an easy fight.
“I am relaxed, not nervous because I saw his (Diaz’s) fight against Ramon Montano on the undercard of the Pac–quiao-Juan Manuel Mar–quez fight and I know Manny can handle him easily. I am one hundred percent sure because of his skills and power,” said Jinkee.
Peñalosa, like Jinkee, is also confident of Pac–quiao’s skills and believes that his friend will knock out the WBC lightweight champ in the early rounds and will be the first Asian to achieve the difficult feat of being a champion in four divisions.
“Not only will Pacquiao win by a knockout, it will be a very impressive win. Less than six rounds,” said Peñalosa.
Pacquiao is currently in Los Angeles promoting his upcoming fight. He arrived in the United States last May 13.
Pacquiao had his first “Lethal Combination” press conference yesterday along with Diaz.
Pacquiao will also be in another press conference next week in Chicago, Diaz’s hometown. (EKA)
