Manny Pacquiao has expressed his determination in adding another weight division title to his belt by challenging Mexican-American fighter David Diaz who is currently the lightweight champion. The Pacman is saddened by those expressing doubts over his recent win; nonetheless he is detemined to prove his worth.
Manny Pacquiao wants to fight lightweight champ David Diaz
Monday, March 24, 2008
05:55 PM
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Manny Pacquiao arrived early morning today, March 24, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from the U.S. around 6:50 a.m. and was greeted by his three kids amidst thunderous cheers from the crowd. Manny, after receiving a hero's welcome, went straight to the GMA Network complex in Quezon City after hearing mass at the Quiapo Church in Manila. In a press conference hosted by Paolo Bediones and Pauleen Luna, the media wasted no time in interviewing the Pacman.
FINISHED BUSINESS? People expecting a third bout between Manny and Juan Manuel Marquez will have to tightly cross their fingers since Manny revealed that he would prefer adding a notch up his belt by advancing to the 135-pound lightweight division and challenging Mexican-American David Diaz for his WBC title, rather than accept a rematch offer from Marquez.
Pacquiao is convinced that challenging Diaz is a better opportunity because "there was nobody else to challenge in my division, so maybe it's my turn to challenge someone in a heavier division. That's where the good boxers are."
However, Pacquiao also revealed that he was open to a rematch with Marquez "if the price is right." Pacman's coach Freddie Roach, according to reports, turned down an offer from Golden Boy Promotions for a rematch between Pacquiao and Marquez. "We made $5.5 million for this fight, we want more money than that... and if it's worth our while we will fight him right away," said Roach.
SADDENED BY DOUBTS. The super featherweight champion confessed that he was saddened when he heard news about boxing analysts expressing doubts about his win over Marquez. He also said that the "crab mentality" of some Filipinos is spoiling his victory.
"I feel saddened that some Filipinos still doubt my win, that they want it investigated. What kind of investigation is that? Congress or Senate?" Pacquiao joked to the press.
In an ironic tone, Pacquiao questioned why there was no clamor for an investigation when his first fight against Marquez ended in a draw.
THE WHOLE PACKAGE. A motorcade will tour the People's Champion around Metro Manila tomorrow, March 25, Tuesday. The motorcade is expected to pass through Quezon Avenue, Espana, A.H. Lacson, Tayuman, Sande, Moriones toward R-10 in Manila, Roxas Boulevard, T.M. Kalaw, Taft, Vito Cruz, F.B. Harrison toward Buendia, Ayala and finally Makati Avenue.
He is also set to receive Philippine boxing's highest honor during the 8th
Gabriel "Flash" Elorde Memorial Awards at the Centennial Hall of the Manila
Hotel on Tuesday night. Pacquiao will be the first Filipino fighter to be
enshrined in the Elorde Boxing Hall of Fame, an honor given to a fighter who
has received the Boxer of the Year award for seven years.
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