Monday, June 30, 2008 Pacquiao writes boxing history By Charles Raymond A. Maxey
FILIPINO boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao stopped Mexican David Diaz in the ninth round Saturday (Sunday in Manila) in Las Vegas to capture the World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight crown and carve his name into boxing history, becoming the first Asian fighter to win four titles in four different weight classes.
By knocking out Diaz, the 29-year-old Pacquiao also became the first Filipino to rule the lightweight division, even surpassing the legendary Gabriel "Flash" Elorde.
The amiable Elorde was a world super featherweight champion and twice tried to claim the 135-pound title during his reign but failed in both instances.
What a way to pull off the historic feat. Pacquiao dished out his best performance to date, overpowering and outboxing the naturally-bigger Diaz right from the opening round up to the end.
Diaz's face was a bloody mess, and the end came for the Mexican at 2:24 of the 9th after absorbing a terrific Pacquiao left shot to the chin.
"I'm happy with the win tonight. I never thought I would win four world titles in four different classes," Pacquiao was quoted by Fightnews.com as saying.
"I feel great at this weight. I feel stronger as 135 pounds that at 130. He ddid hurt me one time during the fight. David Diaz is a very strong fighter," added Pacquiao, showing respect to the flalen Mexican fighter.
He was all praise for his rival, but Pacquiao was simply amazing in his biggest fight yet.
The Filipino boxer, the reigning WBC super featherweight king, beat Diaz to the punch and showcased the power and speed he is known for before a chanting crowd at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino Events Center.
After starting his career 13 years ago at 106 pounds, Pacquiao (47-3-2, 35 KOs) has evolved into a dominant fighter in five divisions. His lightweight debut was every bit as action-packed as his long history of brawls at lower weights and, like most of his opponents, Diaz (34-2-1) couldn't match the Filipino pug's ferocious pace.
"I feel much, much stronger and more powerful at 135," said Pacquiao, the first Asian boxer to win titles at four weights. "This is where I plan to stay. I did real well. I was really surprised it wasn't stopped sooner."
Three months ago, Juan Manuel Marquez stretched Pacquiao to the limit before losing a split decision in the same ring in perhaps the year's best bout so far.
Pacquiao took much less punishment this time, but Diaz was remarkably tenacious in the face of nonstop attacks, until Pacquiao sneaked home a left hand that dropped Diaz's bloody face to the canvas. (With reports from AP)
