Diaz vs. Pacquiao Headlines Big Vegas Bill Tonight At Mandalay Bay

ByRichard Eberline

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.