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Sports
Jun. 25, 2008
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

Potential rematch doesn't cloud focus

Pacquiao out to take lightweight title from Diaz

By STEVE CARP
REVIEW-JOURNAL

Manny Pacquiao signs autographs Tuesday after arriving at Mandalay Bay. Pacquiao (46-3-2, 34 knockouts) will face WBC lightweight champ David Diaz (34-1-1, 17 KOs) Saturday.
Photos by Jessica Ebelhar/Review-Journal



David Diaz is photographed from several angles while signing autographs at Mandalay Bay on Tuesday.

The majority of boxing fans are glad to see Manny Pacquiao back in the ring Saturday. They just wish it wasn't against David Diaz.

They would prefer to see Pacquiao fight Juan Manuel Marquez a third time. Pacquiao said be patient, it will happen.


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    • "It's up to my promoter," Pacquiao said, referring to Top Rank president Bob Arum. "But, yeah, I'll fight him again."

    Pacquiao and Diaz arrived in Las Vegas on Tuesday for Saturday's 135-pound showdown at Mandalay Bay Events Center, where Diaz's WBC lightweight title will be at stake. Pacquiao (46-3-2, 34 knockouts) said he's not looking past Diaz toward a third fight with Marquez. But he understands why boxing fans want to see him in the ring with Marquez.

    "It was a good fight," Pacquiao said. "I've watched the tape several times, and it was a very tough fight, one of my toughest. But I think I won."

    Arum said assuming Pacquiao defeats Diaz (34-1-1, 17 KOs) and wins a planned fight for October against an opponent to be determined, and Marquez defeats Joel Casamayor on Sept. 13 at the MGM Grand Garden, he could see Pacquiao-Marquez III in 2009, perhaps in February.

    "It makes sense to wait because we'll have new elements to promote," Arum said. "With both fighters at 135, there's a lot more conjecture. Now, it's a real story."

    The history between the two makes for a good story, too. Their first meeting in 2004 at 125 pounds ended in a 12-round draw after Marquez survived three knockdowns.

    Their rematch on March 15 at Mandalay Bay, which saw Pacquiao win a 12-round split decision and take Marquez's WBC super featherweight belt, is a strong candidate for 2008 Fight of the Year honors.

    It was nonstop action from the opening bell, and after two judges split their 115-112 scorecards between the two fighters, Pacquiao was the winner by virtue of a 114-113 scoring decision by Ohio judge Tom Miller.

    Freddie Roach, who trains Pacquiao, said he hasn't seen any after-effects from the Marquez fight in Pacquiao's preparations for Diaz.

    "It was business as usual," Roach said. "There was no slowing down whatsoever. He looks fine to me."

    Roach said if Marquez wants to fight at 135 pounds, he doesn't see any reason why Pacquiao wouldn't accommodate him.

    "He has to get by Casamayor first, and that won't be easy because Casamayor has that awkward style," Roach said. "But if Manny wins and Marquez wins, sure, I can see them fighting next year."

    Even Diaz wouldn't mind watching Pacquiao and Marquez have one final go-round.

    "As a fight fan, I would love to see them fight again," Diaz said. "But I hope the people will come watch me fight Manny on Saturday."

    Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.

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    Dumb TUF noobs wrote on June 26, 2008 02:06 AM: No boxer would last in the octagon because MMA is a totally different sport you stupid retards. RJJ would box Anderson Silva's ears off in a straight up boxing match. I hate the sport bigotry that you stupid disrespectful TUF noobs spout from your ignorant mouths. Just do us all a favor and STFU.


    Fealess Bong wrote on June 25, 2008 04:52 PM: And as one of here comment that if you put Pacman on octagon probably he will demolished all those guys in his weight class. becasue this guys do not last in 12 rounds. better train more for a fight in 12 rounder. not just 3 rounder.


    Fearless Bong wrote on June 25, 2008 04:50 PM: well this fight will be a great one to watch because both fighter are love to fight toe-to-toe. In this fight whoever absorbs more puches will be lose.

    but bot of the were strong durable but the difference is that Pacman is more quicker than Diaz.


    Four Finger Freddy wrote on June 25, 2008 10:51 AM: Sal Sagev, if boxing is "so yesterday," why are you reading articles about it today? I'm a boxing fan, but you won't see me posting comments on MMA articles, because I just don't give a damn about the sport.

    If you had no interest in boxing, you wouldn't be wasting your time posting comments on a boxing article. Of course, I have no doubt that you also enjoy MMA. You seem like the type of person who would enjoy watching two halr-naked men lying on top of each other.


    Sal Sagev wrote on June 25, 2008 10:33 AM: Manny rules what, pillow fights?

    Throw that little boy in an octagon and see how long he lasts...


    Sal Sagev_Las Vegas wrote on June 25, 2008 10:08 AM: Manny Rules!!!


    Sal Sagev wrote on June 25, 2008 09:55 AM: BORING!

    These little guys beat the bajeezus out of each other for 12 rounds and all they have to show for it is some welts on their face. Boxing is SO yesterday.

    Go ahead haters, talk about how any of them could kick my fanny all over the place. Hate all you want; your sport is boring and dying a slow death. The first time a watched a MMA event was the last time I went out of my way to watch a boxing event.


    ega wrote on June 25, 2008 09:39 AM: marquez makes prized fighter in his division looks ugly that's why no one wants to fight him. even in the chris john fight, he looks terrible because johs is terrible as well, so with that... he ought to fight slanky fighters like him. go to the toilit jm