LAS VEGAS – He spent most of the day inside his cozy suite but also took a dip in the giant pool, enjoying the very warm sunshine the day after taking a brutal, bloody loss at Mandalay Bay.
David Diaz, who relinquished his World Boxing Council lightweight crown after being knocked out by Manny Pacquiao in the ninth round Saturday, is taking everything in stride, with a smile.
“Yes, he’s in good spirits. He’s okay,” said his publicist Bernie Barhmasel the day after the fight. He said Diaz had some quiet time at the pool as the temperature rose to over a hundred degrees.
Diaz, according to Bahrmasel, was taken to the Valley Hospital after attending a post-fight press conference at the Events Center, where he fielded some questions regarding the fight.
Diaz had a deep cut over his right eye, needing six stitches to close. He had another cut over the bridge of his nose, which required no stitches, and a swollen left eye that bore the brunt of Pacquiao’s powerful right hooks.
For precautionary measure, based on the sheer volume of punches he took to the head and body, Diaz underwent a few tests that all went fine.
Diaz will spend another night here in Sin City with his wife Tanya. They fly home to Chicago Monday to be with their two young kids, probably rest and enjoy life for a month or two.
On his way out of the fight venue, Diaz and Pacquiao crossed paths in one bright hallway of the Events Center. They spoke briefly and hugged each other in the true spirit of sportsmanship.
Diaz was all praises for Pacquiao’s power and speed.
“I thought I could handle his speed but not his power. I’ve faced quicker opponents. But he was so fast, fast, fast. I thought Freddie Roach (Pacquiao’s trainer) was also in there hitting me,” said Diaz.
Despite the devastating loss, it seems that retirement is the last thing on his mind.
“Today I lose, tomorrow I win,” said the former champion.
“We just live to fight another day.” – Abac Cordero