I know a lot of us Pinoys and boxing fans around the world are already eagerly awaiting to watch Pacquiao send Diaz on the floor come June 28 in a match dubbed as Lethal Combination. I’m sure the whole country will put down everything just to watch Manny Pacquaio slug it out with Diaz. Did you notice every time there’s a Pacquiao fight, traffic seems to be no problem when you drive around EDSA. Even the Philippine National Police claims that crime rate drops to zero whenever there’s a Pacquaio fight. Pinoys from all walks of life unite and gather around their TV sets just to cheer for Pacquaio.

As usual, the betting odds for Pacquaio is -365 favored to knock the World Boxing Council lightweight crown off Diaz. David Diaz in contrast, is listed as +285, meaning a measly $100 bet favored over Diaz will only win $285, while somebody betting for a Pacquaio victory will have to shell out $365 for him to win $100.

Freddie Roach Says Diaz is Dangerous

“David Diaz is an Olympian, a world champion and those things don’t happen by accident,” Roach said of the 31-year-old Diaz. Roach said the biggest concern in the Diaz fight is how Pacquiao would adjust to fighting a fellow left-hander but Pacman is optimistic his revered cornerman will come up with the perfect antidote for Diaz’s non-stop aggression from a southpaw stance.

Freddie Roach doesn’t expect Manny Pacquiao to knock out Diaz in the early rounds. “I don’t see the fight being over early, David’s a durable guy so I don’t think the fight’s going to end in the early rounds,” Roach expressed. Still, he is confident that Pacquiao is going to emerge triumphant and that he should get the job done by the ninth round.

Manny Pacquiao Masks? Anyone?

Manny Pacquiao shirts, jackets and bandana’s are a thing of the past. On June 28, cardboard masks of Pacquiao will be distributed among those who will watch the Pinoy’s battle with David Diaz at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, according to gun enthusiast Cris Aquino, one of Pacquiao’s loyal supporters.

“Manny Pacquiao will be everywhere at Mandalay Bay on fight night,” said Aquino, who revealed that 10,000 pieces of the mask with a production price of Php7.90 will be brought to US by several of Pacquiao’s friends who are flying to Los Angeles. Aquino plans to distribute the masks – expected to become a collectors item – at the press conference scheduled at the Mandalay Bay on June 25.

The masks will be worn like when people attend masquerade party,” said Aquino. “But since sticks are not permitted inside the venue, I came up with the idea that instead of just the head (of Pacquiao), I also included the neck so it could be used to hold the mask.”

Pacquiao Versus Hatton Next?

Bob Arum, head of Top Rank promotions said that he talked with Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaeffer and discussed pitting Pacquiao and Hatton in November at Las Vegas.

Hatton, who has a 44-1-1 win-loss-draw record with 31 KO’s is under contract with Golden Boy and has stated publicly that Pacquiao is on his radar. For the megabuck match to materialize, Arum said that Pacquiao should get past David Diaz, the reigning WBC lightweight titlist.

Looks like Pacquiao is on his way to be a legendary icon in the world of boxing especially now that Floyd Mayweather has announced his early retirement. Let’s hope that our idol Manny Pacquiao will once again bring pride to our country this Sunday. Who’s willing to bet their Entrecard credits for it? LOL.

Credits to Nick Giongco for the news.

If you enjoyed this post and you don’t want to miss out on the next one, you can subscribe by email and have new post sent directly to your inbox. And if you add Pinoy Raket Online as one of your favorite over at Technorati, then I’ll favorite you back in return. How’s that for reciprocity? Also, if it’s not too much to ask, please vote for Pinoy Raket Online over at GotPinoy.com. Just one click to help support a fellow blogger. Thank you!

• People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao Knocked Out David Diaz at 9th to Win WBC Title
• Press Play When You Need to Have a Good Laugh
• Another gold for the Philippine All Stars and another bragging rights for us Pinoys
• Quick Update on the Eraserheads Reunion Concert and How to Get Tickets
• The Mister Miyagi to Karate Kid, A Father’s Day Tribute