Lethal Combination: Pacquiao v. Diaz
By Round by Round June 20th, 2008
Making a case for a Diaz win is not too daunting a task. Diaz has fought big names on big stages and no fighter earns 34 victories by chance. Diaz is a strong lightweight with a superior work rate and a durable chin. He had a stellar amateur career topped off by out pointing Zab Judah twice to advance to the 1996 Olympic games. As a professional Diaz has wins against title contenders Ener Julio, Jaime Rangel and Jose Armando Santa Cruz. In the biggest fight of his life Diaz charged from behind to defeat legendary brawler Erik Morales. In his typical, aggressive style Diaz out worked Morales eventually breaking him down. The unceremonious beating sent Morales into retirement. Diaz is a career lightweight or heavier who has victories over true welterweights (Pacquiao first campaigned at the light flyweight limit of 108 lbs).
Manny Pacquiao is ranked #1 pound-for-pound by The Ring magazine. He possesses a lethal combination of speed and power that overwhelms his foes and covers his flaws. Pacquiao has 35 KOs in 51 fights for a knock out rate of 68%. In his last dozen fights Pacquiao is an outstanding 10-1-1. His record is all the more impressive when you consider whom he has faced. During this span Pacquiao twice defeated Marco Antonio Barrera. Juan Manuel Marquez is 0-1-1 against him. Morales defeated Pacquiao the first time they met and then lost the rematch and the rubber match. Throw in victories over Mexican warriors Emmanuel Lucero, Hector Velazquez, Oscar Larios and Jorge Solis and it is no wonder some call him the Mexican Assassin (David Diaz’ family is from Guerrero, Mexico).
TSS Nation, log in for round by round coverage of the Pacquiao v. Diaz lightweight championship tilt on Saturday June 28, starting at 9 pm EDT / 6 pm PDT. TSS will be ringside to bring you the action as it unfolds.
June 20th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
The good for Diaz is that he will be given a gift of a new car by PacMan. He will also be welcome to visit Mannyland at the cost of the Filipino government. Diaz can appear in some television commercials with the great Manny. The Filipino people will love Diaz for being the guy who Manny made history with — the first Asian to win four titles in different divisions. Matter of fact, Manny will be the first non-American to do this. Holla!
June 21st, 2008 at 5:03 am
Diaz beats Pacquiao. KO or decision. Diaz is in the best shape of his life and has won all his most important fights. Pacquiao is an amazing boxer, has speed and power; Diaz has the power, chin and determination to defeat Pacquaio.
Besides, Pacquiao is on the slide. His last victory over Juan Manuel Marquez is debatable at best. And now he’s moving up in weight with a more than live underdog. I think Pacquiao gets beat. I like both boxers so I won’t be upset either way, let’s see what happens.
June 21st, 2008 at 8:54 pm
You all are in for a big treat when you see the “new” David Diaz. With his new strength and conditioning he will only need one punch to KNOCK OUT the PacMan Sending PacMan back to the Filipino people in a package with his new stamp with a loss is what will be predicted. Get ready Freddy its time for your boy to be humiliated to the delight of millions of Mexican people
June 22nd, 2008 at 9:57 am
i am a filipino i think manny will defeat david diaz more or less 5th round ‘coz manny is more power than diaz besides manny is the world best pound for pound. you will see how manny will knock him out
June 22nd, 2008 at 11:03 pm
hey folks everybody has its own speculations its true both fighters has the same power like many people says “one punch” to knocks their opponents, but one thing to remember if Diaz will win this fight there will be no excitement, if Pacquiao will win i believe the world of boxing is more colorful. coz nobody from asian country like pacman now adays such as gain popularity specially in making big business in the world of boxing specially in there division.
June 23rd, 2008 at 2:39 am
The champ Manny Pacquiao should win the fight in the middle rounds. He has great speed and power that David Diaz will not be able to cope with. However Diaz is a tough fighter with alot of experience (although not as much as Pacquiao) and should make for a great matchup
June 23rd, 2008 at 8:52 am
Wow, first non-American to win 4 titles in different divisions, that will really put Diaz on the map, as if he already isn’t!
June 23rd, 2008 at 9:38 am
Yuck, both of these fighters are frigging ugly. Look at them. At least Manny has established life and family (with money for his their future), but this David Diaz has none to keep so far. Win or lose in the Manny Pacquiao fight, this David Diaz will be a sick loser in life. I bet you this. This David Diaz is not has handsome, charismatic and intelligent as Oscar Dela Hoya, so he will never prosper in a land called the United States. I pronounce him dead, as in a failure in life.
June 23rd, 2008 at 10:31 am
i believe manny will face a hard pouncher from mexico..i seen his previus fight against marquez.he faces a very good boxer..a hard counter pouncher..he defeated it controvertially…now.i’m afraid it will be repeated again,but this time,he will lose…i’m a filipino..but not totally confident with him..plz send ur comment to my email the_match05@yahoo.com..tnx
June 24th, 2008 at 8:00 am
I see Diaz holding his own against the great Pac-man through the 11th round. Pac man pulls a narrow victory . I see a great fight where both fighters stokes their respective crowd. Good entertaining brawl , worth my money. Tecate and hot wings wil be the real title holder on this couch. .
June 25th, 2008 at 1:01 am
pacman no way to beat DD viva mexixcco
June 25th, 2008 at 1:27 am
I am a Filipino, I believe that it is Great fight, with tremendous excitement, especially it is a field of war bet. 2 great warriors………. but i do believe that manny will win in this fight bcoz he possesed a great power and speed compare to Diaz……
June 25th, 2008 at 1:57 am
Pacman is a better fighter. Judging from the outcome of their respective fight with Erik Morales, Pacman packs more power - twice he won by knockout. Diaz was just lucky that he won by decision, but on my score card Morales should have been the winner. My fearless forecast - Pacman by knockout in the later round.
June 25th, 2008 at 11:22 am
This is going to be a very interesting fight. A fast, powerful, and accurate offensive Pac-machine against a gritty and durable Diaz. Because Diaz is a no-nonsense in your face style of boxer, he will probably receive alot of punishment. I don’t think Diaz will not be knocked out because he has alot of determination and pride. He will be knocked down at least twice before the referee, or his corner stops the fight no later than round 6.
June 25th, 2008 at 11:33 am
I BELIEVE MANNY WILL WIN. AS LONG AS DIAZ WILL KEEP RUNNING IN THE FIGHT, HE WILL NOT BE KNOCK OUT. IN THE SECOND FIGHT AS WELL AS THE FIRST FIGHT WITH JUAN MANUAL MARQUEZ, I BELIEVE THAT MANNY REALLY WON. A TRUE FIGHTER WILL PROVE TO ANYONE THAT HE IS WORTHY OF WINNING AND NOT JUST LEAVING THE CROWD WITH JUST POINTS IN CARDS FORGETTING THE HUMILLIATION OF A KNOCKDOWNS… WHATS THE PURPOSE OF DEVELOPING CHIN??..
June 25th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
i say its go to be a good fight. every fighter giving up what they got but diaz will come out on top. pacman may be very confident about winning but diaz will be mor confident and determined to win.
June 26th, 2008 at 4:07 am
if you analyzed their records, PACMAN(46,3,2,35KO) vs DIAZ(34,1,1,17KO). Is this what you called a great fight? For me, this is an easy fight for Pacquiao, It is like fighting an amateur boxer! You will be proud of Diaz’s record, He won 17KO but most of them are amateur boxer.But the Filipino hero MANNY PACQUIAO’s 35KO includes great fighters in boxing!!! Plus pacquiao is taller and younger than Diaz!!! BE PROUD YOU ARE FILIPINO, THE TRUE CHAMPION IS ON YOUR SIDE(no need to worry)!!!! VIVA PHILIPPINES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 26th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
I’m mexican I think manny is on his best shape of his life there is no boxer right now that could ko or beat manny pacman Diaz needs to know that manny has been kicking are mexican butts for the last 3 years but his time is going to run out I still going to put my many on diaz because i’m a TRU MEXICAN …………….VIVA MEXICO
June 26th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
…goodluck to Manny! MABUHAY PILIPINAS..!”
June 27th, 2008 at 4:10 am
all you filipinos can say all you want about this fight . but the truth is, he will lose to a mexican boxer soon or later cause we have too manny to count . you guys only have him that’s it.
June 27th, 2008 at 8:44 am
I saw Manny when he first started as a young teen and followed his career because I saw something special about him. As a youngster, he would try to knock out every opponent in the very first round. He would not stop dishing it out while taking some blows but he was very relentless - I admired his courage and will. Freddie Roach refined him and taught him alot. I do miss his go for broke attitude during his last 2 fights. He know has a chance to go back to his old style and go for the KO - Diaz is the perfect opponent. Diaz will be overwhenmed by the handspeed, punching power and footwork of Pacman + his much improved defense. It will be a slugfest but PACMAN punching power will prevail. Diaz will face his toughest opponent > Pacman is special. My only worry is a clash of heads that will leave a nasty cut - this would really hurt the Pacman. Pacman is destined to create history.
June 27th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
It will be an interesting fight. I would say Diaz since he is more focused on his boxing career. Manny on the other hand either is in the entertainment business making music or running for politics somewhere or another. The last fight Manny had was a split and I don’t think Diaz will sit back and have someone take his belt. Pound for pound it will be very interesting. For the bet, I would have to say Diaz by decision. For the trainer, I would have to take Freddie Roach as the best.
June 27th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
pacquiao will win by knockout or unanimous decision. By knock out if diaz will fight his usual style because diaz will be an easy target for manny. By unanimous if diaz run to avoid being knockout or hurt more. Many of the previous opponents of manny pre-thought they can beat manny only to lose actually to manny because they cannot execute their planned strategy because their planned strategy was changed in actual fight by the lightning speed and power of manny. diaz will not be able to execute his planned strategy because diaz will be busy avoiding the raining punch of manny, diaz will be busy feeling the leather of the gloves of manny, he will be busy feeling the canvass with his whole body just like most of manny’s opponent. Opponents who regarded as best prize fighters, brawlers, punchers, boxers in the boxing scene.
June 28th, 2008 at 3:04 am
TO: MacauDude ,
Your comments are out of place brother. Admire them for their will and hearts. That is what men do and not like you who talks about “ugly?”
Men who are literally putting their necks on the line and sweating blood to provide for their families are ugly?
What kind of thinking is that?
Anyways, however which way this fight goes i will be happy because these guys are fighting for those they love.
June 28th, 2008 at 3:50 am
Pacman will win 100 percent sure because i think he is more experienced, more intelligent inside the ring and more dedicated to his every fight than david diaz. diaz fights for his new car with ac but pacman fights for his country and for his country men and that’s a lot of pride i tell you. so david, just buy a bicycle and ride it home.
June 28th, 2008 at 8:15 am
I’m a filipino!!! Tomorrow will be a history for manny known as the Mexican Assasin…Go Manny Go! Pambansang KAMAO! Diaz will be knockout in less than 5 rounds.
June 28th, 2008 at 9:30 am
We have some upcoming superstars in boxing that will replace Manny Pacquiao. AJ Banal and BOOM-BOOM bautista just needs a bit of good management.
June 28th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
I am a Filipino (not really proud of my country but proud to be Filipino) and I admit Pacquiao is some sort of an icon to most of us but not to me, a legend, a hero, a God, if you will.
He is really filthy rich while most of us is crawling and heavily beaten by harsh realities in this country. Manny is a symbol of our national pride especially Malacanang.
He doesn’t fight for himself, he fights for his people and for GMA..lol.
Aiming for 5 and winning it will give him a great place in boxing history.
Manny will be our national treasure, they say,
but we are still penniless! Manny’s win will be ours, please….!
We are still continously losing our battle against poverty and corruptions.
That’s the irony of it.
Who will win? MANNY? How sure are you? hmmm…. I don’t know, I’m not a boxing analyst.
I always think that boxer have the opportunity to win the match.
Many boxing critics failed to predict the outcome of the match as far as great boxing upsets is concern. Remember Lewis VS Rahman, Bhops Vs Trinidad, recently Klitschko was KO by Lamon Brewster.Tyson was considered to be the best boxer in the world and arguably one of the most feared heavyweight champions in history due to his utter domination of the division.He KO 12 in the first round. He unified the belts in the splintered heavyweight division in the late 1980s. Tyson was the undisputed heavyweight champion for over two years, before losing to 42-to-1 underdog Buster Douglas in 1990.One of the most shocking upsets in sports history when he knocked out undefeated champion.
Manny is not undefeated, he is not greater than Mike Tyson,too.
I remember how Manny predictied an early KO on his recent fights but almost loss it,or did he really win over Marquez ?
Yes Pacquiao is great but his last victories against Old Mexicans was sort of meaningless and not definitive.I WANT PACMAN TO WIN. Manny needs to show more to be compared to Morales and Barerra which are true legends of boxing.
June 28th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Shalom!!!!
First of all, I would like to invite those online-game lovers to support GrudgeMU…lol.. MU is terrific I can say…So what are you waiting for?.. Come and join GrudgeMU! You’ll love it..promise!!!
Well now, for Pacman and Diaz, good luck to both you.. Of course, there can only be ONE.. Nevertheless…would probably be The People’s Champ!!! David Diaz..oooops sorry…I mean the one and only Manny “PACMAN” Pacquiao!!!! lol..
Go Pacman!!!! Pasirama pading Manny!!!Pag nadaog ka ta mailing mo!!!
Paganahon mo nganing maray sana ang mga patama..ok??
June 28th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
I’m a Filipino and yes I’m a Filipino. Great!!!!!!!!! Manny won. Well, actually it’s not a big victory for me. Manny don’t have to prove anything. He’s the best, for now, at least in his weight division. He beats boxing icons and champions. No need to accept challenges to anyone else. He must retire. And focus to his family. He has money. He’s famous. And to Freddie Roach, thank you for making Manny, a Manny.
June 29th, 2008 at 2:54 am
Manny won. not a scratch in his face. Diaz looked really battered and I think this fight ended his career.
Since 2006, I doubted that Manny can still win because of all that media attention he’s been enjoying which is not required specially for a promising boxer like him.
I can now say that I was wrong about him. He has this unique ability to handle multiple pressures from his professional and personal life. God Bless You. Once again, Filipinos are thankful for your entertainment that kept our heads high even though prices has gone higher(again) and helped us get by to our day to day struggle with the Philippine government that has gone incredibly corrupt. I hope you knock them(Arroyo Family) out too.
June 29th, 2008 at 5:49 am
gusto ko mag laban si pacquiao at ron artest
June 29th, 2008 at 6:09 am
Pacman! Great icon! Great boxer! Did you see how Celtics (NBA Champion ) turned themselves into new members of the Pacmanialand! Who will be the next great sport heroes to join Pacmanialand? Wactch out! There will be more!
June 29th, 2008 at 6:51 am
Manny’s terrific win today clearly showed that he’s still capable of improving his boxing skills. These new skills, combined with a more disciplined approach to training (no casino, basketball, cockfighting, etc.) and a strong resolve to follow the prescribed fight plan, should result in a few more great wins in the future.
If Manny had fought the way he did in the last Marquez fight (where he didn’t follow the fight plan) he would have had a difficult fight today. He would still have won, but it wouldn’t be as impressive as what happened today. Also, I think the new weight class actually helped him train better since he didn’t have to starve himself just to make the weight limit.
To all the doubters who wrote here earlier: On hindsight, I think you’re all so wrong. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!
Mabuhay ka Manny!
June 29th, 2008 at 10:10 am
I am a filipino and I believe Diaz is a good fighter but sorry to say mexicans your boxer will lost to our Pacman. This is the time for the filipino reigns in boxing.
June 29th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
It was a great win for Pac. I haven’t seen that kind of speed from him in a while. He’s definitely going to be the top man to beat at Light-weight. Everyone is going to want a big-money fight with him.
June 30th, 2008 at 1:37 am
I’m a Filipino,
I’m proud of Manny.
My respects to David for a nice fight.
June 30th, 2008 at 4:48 am
GO MANNY!!!!! BUT I LIKE MEXICAN FOOD!!!!!
June 30th, 2008 at 7:07 am
punch perfection from pacman he is clearly the top pound 4 pound fighter in the world now. sadly as tough as diaz is he just hasn’t the abbillity to fight someone like pacman. the fight was a bit of a miss match and althouth diaz is one of the gamest fighter ive every personaly witnessed I think he’s over rated and i would say that in the moralas beat diaz when they fort despite what the judes think, diaz just likes to rough people up on the inside and has very littel style. his one major advantage is his chin which is why I’m supprised that diazs corner didn’t stop the fight sooner to avoid another Nigel Benn Gerald McClellan fight. fighters like diaz are too tough for there own good. if i was his manger i would be seriously advising him to take his money and retire. but any how a fantastic achievement for pacman.
June 30th, 2008 at 7:23 am
Thank you lord
Hail to the new King !
With the win, It erases all doubts.
To the Mexicans : Amoa gihapon ni. Sa Sunod amo gihapon.
June 30th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
hey,where are you? knockout doctor… what’s happening with you?are you all right? where is your boxer now? kissing the canvass together with you!
July 1st, 2008 at 3:01 am
Manny deserve respect for all boxing fans regardless of race or nationalities, mexican fighters has proven the world how tough they are in the game. They are one of the most disciplined boxers that emerged triumphant time and again…the same is true, everybody is a witness to that with Manny. Manny made History for himself, for filifinos and for all the boxing fans!
July 1st, 2008 at 9:56 am
Hey all mexicano… where are you guys!!! what happen to your boxer?
July 1st, 2008 at 4:12 pm
KNOCKOUT DOCTOR you should change your name to…………………… BIG MOUTH DOCTOR i dont want to be rude but your comment is not good to all filipinos next time you predict a pacman fight …… PLEASE DONT YOU WILL ONLY MAKE YOURSELF MISERABLE because manny will still win more fights because not of his incredible speed, not of his power punches, not of his determination to win but because of his MERCIFUL HEART AND PRAYERS BEFORE AND AFTER HIS FIGHTS
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:01 am
A great victory for Manny and for all boxing fans. For the racial taunting, and Manny being called the ‘Mexicutioner’ - it’s is not necessary. True pride does not belittle someone else. Respect our Mexican brothers because Filipinos and Mexicans will always be in and around the same weight classes. We share a common history - both Mexico and the Philippines were colonized by Spain in the same year.
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:54 am
Thank you Manny for the awesome fight. Though I still like my Mexican guy muy romanticos, and my shrimp burrito
July 6th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Manny(PACMAN) is great figther in the ring. And no doubt to be a no. 1 pound 4 pound boxer around the world. Keep going Manny to be the best in the ring. GOD Bless.
July 6th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
We were not able to watch the fight live on TV coz its PPV, but we were able to get the results in the internet. Filipinos are proud of the achievements PACMAN has done. But he must share his blessing to our countrymen…VIVA PACMAN
July 14th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Much love to all our Mexican brothers and sisters. Diaz fought a valiant fight and you should all be proud of his efforts.
Regardless of who won the fight I think all the Filipinos and Mexicans can proudly say that we are capable of great things when given the opportunity!!!
God Bless…
July 15th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
It was expected of Manny to win. It was a great performance by both fighters, although only one has to win, of course the better prepared fighter, Manny P. What was not expected was the character of David that he has shown after the fight. I admired him for showing humility and grace in defeat. I wish he can come to the Philippines to see the true Filipino. I wish David a better future in boxing. Don’t give up, your time will come.
August 23rd, 2008 at 7:27 am
to know more about money try to view his previous fights from Blow by Blow untill he became the world champion in 4 divisions…
the only Asian in boxing history to grab a belt in different divisions…mabuhay ka Manny “The Destroyer” Pacquiao!!!
mabuhay ang Pilipinas…mabuhay ang Kalye Daginot Aloguinsan Cebu!!!!