Champ will finish strong, trainer avers
LAS VEGAS – David Diaz’ trainer, a former featherweight who went undefeated in 26 fights as a pro, is confident that his 32-year-old champion has what it takes to engage Manny Pacquiao in an all-out battle.
“I see a hard 12-round decision. I see David finishing stronger,” said Mike Garcia, who won all his fights when he fought from 1992 until 1998, his career being halted by an elbow injury that just wouldn’t go away.
He owns the JABB Gym, which serves as Diaz’ training headquarters in
The 40-year-old Garcia said while Pacquiao may be the quicker fighter, the wide-bodied Diaz, an Olympian, is definitely the stronger one.
“Manny is quicker but I see David just gets stronger as the rounds go on. I’m confident,” he said.
Garcia said the first three rounds of the fight scheduled for 12 will be very important for Diaz because in these rounds he’s hoping for his boxer not to be carried away.
“The first three rounds (is crucial) if David becomes excited. But once he calms down he’ll be fine. Sometimes he gets over-excited so he’s got to make sure he fights his game,” he said.
“He got to be prepared he’s fighting Manny Pacquiao. And sometimes it’s overwhelming.
“But we tell him to forget about the crowd. Go in there, do your work and that’s it. We’ve done everything we’re supposed to do in training.”
Now comes the hard part. – Abac Cordero
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