by T.K. Stewart

WBC Lightweight titlist David Diaz was at the JABB Gym in Chicago on Tuesday afternoon as he spoke with boxing writers from around the globe in anticipation of his fight with Manny Pacquiao that is now only 11 days away.

When Diaz was asked if winning the title and becoming the WBC Champ was everything that he thought it would be he answered in a way that told you that he’s made it a little way in boxing – but not all the way.

“It kinda is…a little bit,” he responded about being the WBC belt-holder.

 “I just don’t have the money yet.  I’ve got a ‘91 Honda with no AC (air conditioning).  Hopefully after this fight I can afford something better.  I’m defending the most prestigious belt of all and defending the WBC title is a dream.  And now I’m going in against one of the most dangerous guys in boxing.”
 
Also in on the proceedings were promoter Bob Arum and Diaz’ head trainer Jim Strickland, whom Diaz simply refers to as “Strick.”  In the background was the steady ringing of the automatic round timers and the sounds you can only hear in a boxing gym.

The lighthearted and friendly Diaz was in a jovial and joking mood and if David Diaz has a game face he was not yet wearing it. 

Diaz began the question and answer session by saying that he and his team were now entering the “final phase of training” and then he added that he had “just started training last week” causing a roar of laughter in the background.

Diaz is a humble guy with a great sense of humor and it’s plain to see that if he has an ego he keeps it in check.  It seems that with David Diaz - what you see is what you get. 

Someone mentioned that Mandalay Bay is going to be transformed into “Manila Bay” on June 28th making light of the fact that Pacquaio hails not far from the capital city of Manila, The Philippines.  A throng of loyal ‘Pac-Man’ supporters are expected to be among the thousands that will fill the seats inside the Mandalay Events Center on June 28th.  

When Diaz was asked if he was fearful of Pacquiao or all of the Pacquiao fans that are expected to fill the arena on fight night, he said he was not.

“No, thank God” he said.  “The Lord gave me two hands as well and we’re going to be in the ring fighting each other.  I’m gonna’ have at least 100 people from Chicago going there.  No fear in the heart, buddy.  That’s just it.  And believe me, 100 people from the ‘Chi’ can take on seventeen thousand…eighteen thousand,” as he laughed.

Bob Arum thinks the fight will be a good one and that Diaz will be a formidable challenge to Pacquiao who is generally regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter on the face of the planet.

“David is a terrific young man,” said Arum.  “This is a match that all of you are going to come over to me after the fight and tell me this is a real fight…real fighters.” 

And in a sleight to someone who just retired, and whom Arum used to promote, he had this to say about the fight and the combatants:  “They don’t dance under the stars.  They’re going to leave everything in the ring. No trash talking…that’s what boxing is all about.  It’s gonna be a helluva’ fight…”
 
And though Diaz seems happy-go-lucky he knows this is the fight of his life. 

“This fight is dedicated to Mexico and Mexicans who are here in the U.S.” he says.  “Just that feeling of hope that I see in them when they talk to me that I can accomplish this.

But what about Pacquiao who can bear down on opponents with more heat than a Philippine summer?

 I’ve watched his last fight with Marquez and his first one against Morales,” says Diaz.  “If he gets crazy I’ll be there to meet him, because I can be a bit crazy myself.”

Besides, David Diaz is used to having no AC.

Editor's Note: Diaz along with his manager/trainer Jim Strickland and co-trainer Mike Garcia will host a public /media workout this Thursday, June 19th at 1pm at JABB Boxing Gym, 410 N. Oakley in Chicago. Everyone is encouraged to attend Diaz's final Chicago appearance before heading to Las Vegas.

For questions or comments e-mail tkstewartboxing@gmail.com