Diaz wants Pacman in list of victims

Add Juan Diaz, a Mexican-born and undefeated champion in the lightweight division, to the distinguished list of fighters dreaming of a multi-million-dollar showdown with Manny Pacquiao.

After scoring his 32nd win via an eighth-round knockout of Acelino Freitas in the US yesterday, Diaz said a fight with Pacquiao, regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter today, would be a dream. (Related story on A-33)

But the Pacquiao camp wouldn’t fall into the trap.

Not for now.

"There are still plenty of compelling matches to make in the super-featherweight division," said Wakee Salud, a trusted ring adviser of the Filipino megastar who made a short visit to Cebu yesterday.

"There is (Juan Manuel) Marquez, there is (Marco Antonio) Barrera, (Joan) Guzman, (Edwin) Valero, (Humberto) Soto. Manny has to clean up his division first before going up to lightweight to fight Diaz," said Salud.

"But eventually, I think they will meet and it will be a good matchup."

According to philboxing.com, Pacquiao had previously said he could beat Diaz.

That would be easier said than done.

At 23, Diaz, who is being promoted by Don King, is five years younger than Pacquiao. And he’s bigger, too, making his pro debut in June of 2000 at 141 lbs. He is the reigning WBO/WBA lightweight champion.

At 5’6 with a reach of 67 inches, Diaz and Pacquiao are pretty even although the latter may pack a heavier punch. Pacquiao started his pro career at 107 lbs.

Nicknamed "The Baby Bull" because of his raging form in the ring, Diaz knocked out Filipino Randy Suico in the ninth round in July last year, and defeated Jose Miguel Cotto on points just three months before.

Ricardo Lois of boxingnews.com reported that Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum, laughed out loud when HBO analyst Max Kellermen asked the Houston-based Diaz of a possible fight with Pacquiao.

"A promoter as shrewd as Arum would not put in Pacquiao to the likely destruction Diaz would bring," Lois wrote.

"Clearly, a boxer can lose on any given night, but I am sure Arum would rather have Manny lose to Humberto Soto (also a Top Rank fighter), where all the options and rematches go strictly through Top Rank. Dancing with Diaz would mean dancing with Don King," Lois further wrote. – Abac Cordero