CBCSports.ca’s Chris Iorfida pulls no punches on the action inside the squared circle and in the world of pro boxing.
Blackhawks fan Diaz tries to knock off one of boxing's best
Friday, June 27, 2008 | 05:36 PM ET
Manny Pacquiao will find out if he's bitten off more than he can chew when he makes his 135 pound lightweight debut Saturday night in Las Vegas against tough David Diaz.
Five pounds might not seen like that much for Pacman to gobble up, but it's important to remember the exciting power puncher began at 112 pounds, five or six weight classes south of Saturday's fight, depending on how many of those divisions you deem legitimate.
Not only is a fighter's effectiveness generally reduced with each higher weight class, age could be a factor sooner rather than later for the Filipino. While at 29 Pacquiao is younger than Diaz, he's been fighting professionally since 1995.
Pacquiao hasn't had a truly dominant performance since he steamrolled a fading Erik Morales in late 2006 and there's likely not too many more left in his career given that he's trying to maximize before he cashes out, even talking about going up another weight class to find Ricky Hatton.
Diaz will prove a test as he never gives up - his last round desperation knockout over Jose Santa Cruz is the proof - and he's strong as an ox, having fought as high as 146 pounds in his career. Still, he was rocked by the same fading Morales and if he were a hockey player, his plus/minus rating would be frigid, he's that porous defensively.
Speaking of hockey, Chicago native Diaz is a Blackhawks fan and during a celebrity shootout this season buried his wristshot into the small slot. Hawks coach Denis Savard is set to repay Diaz's fandom by accompanying him into the ring on Saturday, taking a page out of the Ricky Hatton-Wayne Rooney book.
Since my last entry there's a few items to catch up on ...
Steve Molitor left and then went back to his Canadian manager and promoter. On balance this is a good move from the standpoint that Molitor probably would have got lost in the shuffle with an American promoter. However, a fight with fellow titlist Celestino Caballero - rumoured for November at Rama - or another top opponent must be made immediately after his August tuneup fight. Hardcore Canadian fight fans don't want him to be just another titlist who bides his years feasting on home cooking against undeserving challengers, as often happens in boxing.
Floyd Mayweather. No I don't think he'll stay retired but it could be an extended break, maybe on the order of two years. And if Miguel Cotto doesn't beat Antonio Margarito (and possibly Oscar De La Hoya), it maybe a lot longer. But really, I'm not sure how much farther Mayweather could take his non-fighting career. I don't particularly see him getting him into acting and besides, hanging out at Vegas clubs with the likes of Zab Judah and Javon Walker can't last a lifetime.
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About the Author
Chris Iorfida has been writing about professional and amateur sports since joining CBC Sports in 2002. Previously he worked as a producer for the Team Sports Radio Network and has also written for national publications Strategy, Chart and Exclaim.
A passionate boxing observer since 1982, a crazy year for the sport, Chris has never missed a major bout and has travelled to Nevada, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York and of course in Canada to attend fights in person.
Recent Posts
- Path clear for Molitor; big fights on horizon
- Thursday, September 25, 2008
- Margarito's will, chin second to none
- Monday, July 28, 2008
- Cotto-Margarito battle promises to be action-packed
- Thursday, July 24, 2008
- Quebec boxer Alcine faces tough test
- Thursday, July 10, 2008
- Blackhawks fan Diaz tries to knock off one of boxing's best
- Friday, June 27, 2008
- Subscribe to Final Bell
Archives
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- July 2008 (3)
- June 2008 (1)
- May 2008 (3)
- April 2008 (3)
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- January 2008 (2)
- December 2007 (2)
