In a blistering display of skill and power, Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao won a world title in his fourth weight class by belting out WBC Lightweight Champion David Diaz in the ninth round of a one-sided mismatch last night at the Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas, NV.

It was clear from the start that Pacquiao was by far the better equipped fighter as the 29 year old living legend bombarded his fellow southpaw Diaz with a two handed assault that hardly wavered during the course of the bout.

Diaz began the contest by backing up Pacquiao, targeting the body of "Pac Man" but as the challenger began to find range with right hook and straight left counters, the WBC champion's resolve began to crumble.

When Diaz stopped moving forward, it became target practice for Paquiao, who landed at will against his much slower rival, zapping in a variety of shots and scoring with crushing uppercuts, hooks and crosses.

As the rounds wore on, numerous cuts developed on the face of Diaz including a nasty laceration over the right eye from an unintentional clash of heads. The cause looked lost for the champion as early as the fourth round but Diaz simply would not quit. More...

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. More...

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 of the "Curse of the Billy Goat" from 1945 when Sianis, the owner of the Billy Goat Tavern, and Murphy, were thrown out of Wrigley Field during Game 4 of the World Series. Sianis put a hex on the Cubs, claiming they would never again win a pennant or play in the World Series. The Cubs lost the '45 World Series to the Detroit Tigers and they have never again won the pennant, much less appeared in another World Series.

"Listen, man, when I saw that goat, that scared me," Diaz said. "I started shaking. Imagine if the Cubs start losing. I'm not having that on my ticket. No way am I going to be responsible for the Cubs losing." More...

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 the Goat" looked on. More...

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 by media workouts as they kickoff fight week in Las Vegas for their world title fight.

Pacquiao, 46-3-2 (35), is riding a seven bout win streak that has seen him vanquish such top names as Juan Manuel Marquez, Eric Morales (twice), Marco Antonio Barrera, Oscar Larios, Jorge Solis and Hector Velazquez over the last three years. More...

Lee Samuels: The three-division world champion is here -Manny Pacquiao - he’s been training weeks at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles. He looks tremendous; he’s in top condition. And he’s all set for Lethal Combination. Manny Pacquiao challenges WBC lightweight champion David Diaz - Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Saturday, June 28 live on HBO pay per view; one of the most exiting events we’ve had in a long, long time at Top Rank. More...

Lee Samuels: This is a very, very exciting day for Top Rank. The champion is here with us, David Diaz, WBC Lightweight Champion, and he’s getting ready and set for “Lethal Combination,” Saturday June 28 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. He’s going to defend his title against Manny Pacquiao, the three-division World Champion, in an explosive match-up.

David’s been training very, very hard in Chicago and he’s going to be taking all your questions today. At this time I’m going to turn it over to my boss, the Hall of Fame Promoter and CEO of Top Rank, Bob Arum - Bob.

Bob Arum: Thank you Lee. We’re down to the stretch in this promotion. The card that we’re presenting on HBO Pay-Per-View on June 28 is an outstanding one. In addition to the WBC Lightweight Championship between Manny Pacquiao and David Diaz; Steven Luevano is defending his Featherweight championship against Mario Santiago. Humberto Soto faces Francisco Lorenzo in the WBC Interim 130 pound title fight, and there’s a 10 round heavyweight attraction; Tye Fields of Las Vegas faces Monte Barrett. More...

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 Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. More...