by T.K. Stewart
As it stands, the betting odds for reigning WBC Lightweight titlist David Diaz to keep his belt against Manny Pacquiao when the two square off on June 28th at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas are like what Don King King used to say: "Slim and none - and slim's outta' town."
If you're looking to get some action and place your hard-earned cash on the underdog from Chicago to upset Pacquiao you can plunk down $100 and walk away with $360 if Diaz manages the improbable.
On the other hand, Pacquiao, now universally regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, is a -450 favorite to win a belt in a fourth weight class. In other words a betting man will have to drop $450 dollars on Pacquiao to walk away $100 richer.
Despite the odds, many bettors see a bet on David Diaz as a value.
Pacquiao began his pro career at 106 pounds in 1995 when he was only 16-years old and over the past thirteen years he has gradually added a rock-solid 30 pounds. In the process Pacquiao has amassed titles as a 112-pound Flyweight in 1998, a 122-pound Super Bantamweight in 2001 and as a 130-pound Super Featherweight in his most recent fight three months ago versus Juan Manuel Marquez.
Many, however, feel that in spite of the recent proclamation made by Freddie Roach that, "Manny will be stronger than ever at 135" some are not so sure.
Many who follow the sport are speculating that the incredible run of good fortune that Pacquiao has enjoyed over the years may be close to running out - especially since David Diaz is a career 135-pounder who has only lost once and who never stops chugging forward. Diaz is accustomed to the higher weight, turned pro at 142 pounds and has fought as high as 146. As a result, he is used to hitting and getting hit by much heavier men than anyone Pacquiao has been in with.
The most Pacquiao has ever officially weighed for a fight is 130 pounds and this first fight as a Lightweight carries intrigue and danger. Pacquiao is coming off one of his toughest and most brutal fights ever after having barely escaped with the razor thin split-decision over Marquez. Pacquiao was cut badly over the right eye in the Marquez fight and there's always the possibility that gash could be re-opened with there being such a short span of time between this fight and the Marquez match.
Diaz sees this fight as his opportunity of a lifetime and to get ready he opened training camp at Chicago's JABB Gym back in the third week of April which was several weeks before Pacquiao even began training at Freddie Roach's Wildcard Gym in Hollywood.
Of Diaz, promoter Bob Arum said that "David will be there fighting. He'll be in there toe-to-toe with Manny and unless Manny is in unbelievably great shape he won't be able to go twelve rounds."
Arum calls the unheralded Diaz "One of those over-achieving fighters who will stay there 'til the bitter end."
Diaz has his critics and many feel that he is over-matched against Pacquiao. However, Arum dismisses those pundits. "Look, he's not the hardest puncher in the world," admitted the 76 year-old promoter. "But David is a difficult fight for anyone."
Place your bets.
For questions or comments email tkstewartboxing@gmail.com