After a long media buildup, the eagerly anticipated lightweight debut of Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao finally takes place tonight at the Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas, as the hard punching dynamo challenges reigning WBC Lightweight Champion David Diaz in a battle of southpaws, topping a quality Top Rank promoted card.

Diaz, 34-1-1 (17), will have a size advantage against Pacquiao as the Chicago native is a natural light welter who won the WBC crown with a close unanimous decision win against Erik Morales last August that sent the Mexican legend into retirement.

But size has never meant much to Pacquiao, 46-3-2 (35), who turned pro at 106 pounds in 1995 before winning world titles at flyweight, super bantam and most recently, the WBC Super Feather belt against Juan Manuel Marquez by split decision in March.

With Diaz's rough and tumble style and Pacquiao's lunging improvisational manner, one thing is for certain; this won't like be a boxing contest!

The only loss of Diaz's career was a stoppage against slick boxing Kendall Holt at light welter three years ago and two of Pacquiao's three losses were by KO and the end for either man could come in the later rounds as this is likely to be a grueling affair.

Pacquiao clearly has the edge in experience and has fought a much higher level of opposition than Diaz, but "Pac Man" will be making yet another jump up in weight and with this being his first bout at 135 pounds against a determined opponent, anything can happen in the ring.

The undercard sees WBO Featherweight titlist Steven Luevano, 35-1 (15), putting his belt at risk against Mario Santiago, 19-1 (14), and at super feather, Humberto Soto, 44-6-2 (28), clashes with Francisco Lorenzo, 32-4 (14), for the interim WBC strap.

There's also an interesting heavyweight bout on tap as veteran world title challenger Monte Barrett, 33-6 (19), looks to derail the 24 contest win streak of 6 foot 8 inch, 270 lb former collegiate basketball player Tye Fields, 41-1 (37), who will be facing a top opponent for the first time since turning pro nine years ago.

Share/Save | (0) comments | Add your comments
Click to read more boxing articles by Richard Eberline

Discuss in Boxing Forum

---

Related Boxing Articles...

• Diaz Vows To Lift Goat Curse From Wrigley Field After Pacquiao Boxing Showdown

  Hall of Fame Top Rank promoter Bob Arum spoke during a press conference above the Pacific Ocean at the west end of the historic Santa Monica Pier yesterday as "Billy >
  
  

• Boxing Perspective: When Will Manny Pacquiao Fight Ricky Hatton?

  On June 28, 2008, Pacquiao defeated with ease the reigning WBC Lightweight Champion David Diaz. It was a fight that most reporters saw as a clinic for Pacquiao, who dominated >
  
  

• WBC Boxing Champ David Diaz Predicts Fall Of “The Mexicutioner”

  WBC lightweight champion David Diaz, 34-1-1 (17), from Chicago, paid a media day visit to San Antonio yesterday, May 6, to talk up his title defense against WBC super featherweight >
  
  

• Boxing Update: Pacquiao, Diaz Hit Vegas Today As Countdown To “Lethal Combination” Begins

  WBC Super Featherweight champion Manny Pacquiao, boxingʼs No. 1 pound for pound fighter, and WBC Lightweight Champion David Diaz, the pride of Chicago, will make their grand arrivals today followed >
  
  

• Spectre Of “The Goat” Continues To Hang Over Pacquiao vs. Diaz Boxing Showdown This Weekend

  

  During Monday's press conference in Los Angeles, a goat, an alleged descendent of Murphy, the goat owned by William Sianis, was presented to Diaz and Pacquiao. Cubs fans are well aware >
  
  

• WBC Boxing Champ David Diaz Awaits Challenge Of Manny Pacquiao

  World Boxing Council Lightweight champion David Diaz is back in his native Chicago after his dominant win over Ramon Montano in Las Vegas, Nevada this past Saturday night. The Diaz/Montano >
  
  

• Pacquiao Free of Muhammad.

  Filipino boxing star Manny Pacquiao appears to be finally free of legal troubles now that a settlement has been reached out of court between him and now former promoter Murad >
  
  

• WBC Boxing Champ David Diaz Guests On ESPN Radio

  WBC Lightweight Champion David Diaz will hit the airwaves this weekend to discuss his upcoming showdown with "The Mexicutioner", Manny Pacquiao set for Saturday, June 28 at the Mandalay Bay >
  
  

• WBC Boxing Champ David Diaz Heads To Vegas

  World Boxing Council Lightweight Champion David Diaz broke camp today to travel to Las Vegas, NV in anticipation of his non-title ten round bout against Ramon Montano set for this >
  
  

• WBC Boxing Champ David Diaz To Throw Out First Pitch Tonight For Chicago Cubs

  The Chicago Cubs, owners of the best record in Major League Baseball, will welcome WBC Champion David Diaz to throw out the first pitch this Tuesday night, June 10, prior >
  
  

---

Boxing News Tags: , David Diaz, ESPN, HBO Boxing, Manny Pacquiao, Manny Pacquiao Vs David Diaz, MP Promotions, Pay-Per-View, Top Rank