May 2008
Four months before the scheduled fight, the two contenders, Manny Pacquiao and David Diaz gave a leg-puller to Bay Area boxing fans by showing them a free workout as part of the fight’s promotion.
David Diaz of Chicago, the current lightweight champion is up against the formidable Filipino boxer and celebrity, Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao. Although Pacquiao is a favorite and critics say that Diaz won’t stand a chance against Pacquiao, Diaz was in high spirits when he came to the West Wind Gym for the free workout.
Scheduled first to show his free workout, Diaz, entered the ring with reluctant cheers from around 500 people gathered around the gym, most of whom were Filipino PacMan fans.
At the workout, Diaz exhibited a possible strong fight after showing off his shadowboxing skills. Surrounded by around 500 Filipinos, Diaz cracked a joke after 30 seconds of air-punching saying that Manny might know too much if he continues to show more.
Despite the crowd being Pacquiao supporters, they still gathered around him after the free workout for photo and autograph signing sessions.
After Diaz, Pacquiao entered the ring and showed off his skills to the delight of the fans. He was joined in the ring by longtime coach Freddie Roach. As usual, the fans were delighted when they saw the boxing superstar giving his best punches and footwork.
After the workout, Pacquiao treated his family and friends at a restaurant in the Barkely Marina for lunch.
A lot of critics and fans take Diaz lightly, especially that he is pitted against power-puncher Pacquiao. The Filipino boxer intends to grab Diaz’s title as his first title in the lightweight division after gaining weight to qualify.
Many Pacquiao and David Diaz will be meeting in the ring for the first time in Las Vegas in Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino on June 28, 2008.
