Cutman expects bloody match

LAS VEGAS – Miguel Diaz, the famous cutman from Argentina, sees the possibility of a bloody fight between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton on Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

He’s not actually praying that it happens, but all he could hope for now is that Pacquiao will not turn out to be the bloodied fighter.

“Maybe Hatton will be bloodied but I don’t think it’s gonna be on Manny,” said the 70-year-old cutman who’s known in the boxing circle as “The Magician, and a veteran of countless fights, even bloody ones.

Diaz has worked with close to a dozen world champions in a career spanning nearly 40 years. Among his list of customers were Erik Morales, Fernando Vargas, Israel Vazquez, Jorge Arce, James Toney, Miguel Cotto, Roger and Floyd Mayweather, Kelly Pavlik, Omar Niño Romero and Oscar Larios.

He was on the opposite side when Pacquiao fought Morales in 2006, and Larios later on in Manila. Now he’s with Pacquiao, and it seems like they enjoy a good bonding since that big win over Oscar dela Hoya.

At the Mandalay Bay main lobby Tuesday noon, Diaz said Pacquiao’s speed will be the difference in the fight.

“Not only with his punches but with his legs and Mr. Hatton won’t be able to cope with that. And then the fight’s going to end in between the ninth, 10th and 11th rounds,” said Diaz.

He said he’s ready for any eventuality as he foresees a very busy fight, and a little tougher than the one against Dela Hoya last December.

But it’s Pacquiao, he assured, who’ll be the busier fighter.

“I see Pacquiao busy punching and getting in and out of there. Manny’s going in and out, in and out, bang, bang, bang. And then Hatton’s gonna quit,” said the “Magician.” – Abac Cordero