Thursday, June 26, 2008 Pacman, Diaz arrive in Vegas By Charles Raymond A. Maxey
MANNY Pacquiao of the Philippines and David Diaz of Mexico arrive in Las Vegas Tuesday looking in great shape and ready to rumble come June 28 (June 29 in Manila).
Pacquiao, the power-punching lefty from General Santos City, and Diaz, the warrior from Chicago who is a big Cubs fanatic, will slug it out for the Mexican's World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight crown at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino this Saturday in a fight that promises to be a war.
The history-seeking Pacquiao, who is eyeing to become the first Filipino and Asian fighter for that matter to win four titles in different weight classes, arrived in Vegas to the cheers of his supporters.
The Filipino, after signing autographs for fans and obliging the media for an interview shortly after hitting town, reportedly went down to business by jogging around the University of Nevada Laa Vegas oval.
Pacquiao also had some short workout at the IBA Gym and, according to observers, looked very sharp with his reflexes. The Filipino is reportedly between 138 to 139 pounds now four days before the fight.
Pacquiao arrived in a 14-vehicle convoy from Los Angeles where he trained hard for the bout, while Diaz blew into Vegas aboard a private plane.
While Diaz is the champion, Pacquiao, without doubt, is the man of the hour. All eyes will be not only because he is one terrific, action-packed fighter, but he is also attempting to carve his name into the history books.
No Filipino boxer has captured the lightweight title. The legendary Gabriel "Flash" Elorder tried but failed to bag the lightweight diadem in his heyday.
Now, Pacquiao has all the chance to become one and experts are predicting of a historic night for the Pacman come Saturday.
But Diaz is one tough Mexican and a champion, and great champions, they say, always perform at their best during the most trying times.
