MANNY PACQUIAO has made history, knocking out David Diaz in the 9th round to become the new World Boxing Council lightweight champ.

Four world titles in four weight classes, baby!

By Erwin Oliva
INQUIRER.net

THE TWO tough sluggers have already started their bout a few days before the actual fight scheduled on June 28 in Las Vegas (June 29 in Manila).

Filipino boxer Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, known for flooring rivals with his speed and strong punches, will fight US-born fighter David Diaz who is also known to be a hard hitter. The two will clash at the Mandalay Bay and Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Winning several belts under different weight classes, Pacquiao will take on the bigger and heftier World Boxing Council lightweight champion Diaz in a 12-round fight.

Veteran Vic Drakulich has been named as referee for this fight. The judges will be CJ Ross, Gary Meritt and Paul Smith, according to the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

For updates about the fight, you can check out The Pacquiao Files or follow a blow-by-blow account on our Twitter page for The Pacquiao Files.

The Pacquiao Files special site also features breaking news, video clips and a running account about Manny’s current and previous bouts.

MANNY PACQUIAO, who faces David Diaz for the latter’s World Boxing Council lightweight crown on June 28 in Las Vegas, shows off his hand speed in this public workout before the media to drum up interest in the upcoming bout.

Video taken by INQUIRER.net US sales director Esther Misa Chavez in Berkeley, California.

2008 Asian Poker Tour Manila leg champion David Saab of Australia talks about the strategy that enable him to come out on top in a field of over 300 players. He takes home a total of $280,000 and is looking forward to the next APT leg in Macau.

Video taken by INQUIRER.net online videographer Janie Christine Octia.

And here’s APT tournament director Matt Savage explaining the objectives of the event.

Video taken by INQUIRER.net multimedia reporter Izah Morales.