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Manny Pacquiao, the compulsive-punching terror of junior lightweights is headed to an uncharted territory -- moving up in weight to battle David Diaz for his WBC lightweight belt at Vegas' Mandalay resort/casino.
The still untitled 12 round championship match marks a dramatic turn for the Filipino ring idol as he intrudes into a new weight division since starting out as a light-flyweight.
The beneficial assistance to Manny in his debut at 135 pounds will be known on March 15 -- the date his promoter Bob Arum chose for boxing devotees who are intrigued by Pacquiao's move to drop Juan Manuel Marquez from the March blockbuster.
Earlier, one of the aspirants Joan Guzman of the Dominican republic was scratched from the Pacman "sweeps".
Another discard is unbeaten Venezuelan Edwin Valero who has been unheard of since his sparring days with newly retired Marco Antonio Barrera.
It's been six weight groupings that the GenSan bruiser has involved himself in, garnering in the process; two alphabet titles, Ring Magazine's prestigious belt, fighter of the year accolade and pound for pound honors among others.
Other key details of the mega-bout entailing the highest prize money for Manny and David will be released shortly.
The decision to gun for the lightweight diadem is in fulfillment of a special wish Manny has been coveting since his loss in politics -- that of becoming the first Filipino five-time world champ. And then some which could be the meeting with the inimitable Oscar de la Hoya at 147 pounds.
The highly-fancied face-off between Diaz and Pacquiao will net for the winner truckloads of current medium of exchange in various denomination (dwindling value of the U.S.dollar notwithstanding).
Not to mention the high drama and absolute ring mayhem the willing mixers are bringing to the dance.
To some buffs, Manny's precipitate jump to David's ringdom is unexpected knowing that he was serious to stay and sincere to play in his super-featherweight domain.
Why then is he lusting for Diaz' scalp?
Simple. Manny creamed Erik Morales twice by knockouts while David escaped with a questionable points win over 'El Terrible' in their August 4 clash for the title in Chicago.A nebulous decision even the Filipino smasher assailed when asked for his take on the closely fought title setto.
How Pacquiao will handle his hostile konfrontasi with the Mexican action fighter so as to allow him to get through unscathed will be in full display at a venue where he retired another Mexican legend -- Marco Barrera.
For Diaz, it is important to keep his commitment as demanded by his governing boxing body or else blame will be heaped on his handlers who were'nt good at getting him guys he can't beat.
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Sorry marquez it seems you're ending up fighting Joan Guzman who is more dangerous than pacquiao... tsk tsk tsk.. sore loser..
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