Boxing guru says Diaz poses problem
He has the reasons why.
“Diaz smothers you and he pushes you. He pushes you around and takes a good punch. He could be a problem for Manny,” said the 63-year-old Steward, former trainer of Thomas Hearns.
“Diaz does not do so many things good but what he does good is he smothers you and he pushes you and his counter can get you out of balance sometimes. Diaz has his way of making you look bad.
“He doesn’t look impressive but he wins fights. He just doesn’t have the big name,” added Steward, also known for his collection of Rolls Royce cars.
Steward said the fight, dubbed “Lethal Combination,” is an intriguing one, too.
“It’s an intriguing fight because Pacquiao is the natural favorite of everybody because of the excitement that he creates. But Diaz could be a problem. He’s not as fast, and he does not have the big name as (Erik) Morales and (Marco Antonio) Barrera and (Juan Manuel) Marquez but his slow style much like the old fighters in the fifties,” he said.
“Could be an interesting fight,” he added.
Then, without being asked to pick the winner, Steward said he’s looking at Pacquiao coming home with the WBC lightweight crown.
“I think Manny wins because not only he has power but he can move on his feet and moves in and out. He’s very difficult to catch. In addition to the punching power it’s the footwork.
“I pick Manny to win but not as easy as 5-to-1 or 6-to-1 (odds). I don’t see that,” he added. – Abac Cordero
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