By Hermie Rivera

Manny Pacquiao, the compulsive-punching terror of junior, lightweights is headed to an uncharted territory—moving up in weight to battle David Diaz for his WBC lightweight belt at Vegas’ Mandalay’s resort/casino.

The still untitled 12 round championship match marks a dramatic turn for the Filipino ring idol as he intrudes into a new weight section since starting out as a light-flyweight.

The beneficial assistance to Manny in his debut at 135 pounds will be known on March 15—the date his promoter Bob Arum chose for boxing devotees who are intrigued by Pacquiao’s move to drop Juan Manuel Marquez and the other Juan (Diaz) from the upcoming March blockbuster.
 
Earlier, one of the aspirants Joan Guzman of the Dominican republic was scratched from the Pacman “sweeps”.
 
Another discard is unbeaten Venezuelan Edwin Valero who has been unheard of since his sparring days with newly retired Marco Antonio Barrera.    
 
It’s been six weight groupings that the GenSan bruiser has involved himself in, garnering two  alphabet titles, Ring magazine’s prestigious belt, fighter of the year accolade and pound for pound honors among others.
 
Other key details of the mega-bout entailing the highest prize-money for Manny and David will be known shortly.
 
The decision to gun for the lightweight diadem is in fulfillment of a special wish Manny has been coveting since his loss in politics— five world titles in 5 separate weight categories.

 

 And then some which could be the loudest whispered meeting with the inimitable Oscar de la Hoya at 147 pounds.
 
The highly-fancied “Ides of March face-off” will net for the winner truckloads of current medium of exchange in various denomination.(Dwindling value of the U.S.dollar notwithstanding))
 
Not to mention the high drama and absolute ring mayhem the willing mixers are bringing to the dance.
 
To some buffs, Manny’s precipitate jump to David’s ringdom is unexpected knowing that he was serious to stay and sincere to play in his super-featherweight domain.
 
Why then is he lusting for Diaz’ scalp?
 
Simple. Manny creamed Erik Morales twice by knockouts while David escaped with a questionable points win over El Terrible in their August 4 clash for the title in Chicago.A nebulous decision even the Filipino smasher assailed when asked for his take on the closely fought title setto.
 
How Pacquiao will handle his hostile  konfrontasi with the Mexican action fighter so as  to allow him to get through unscathed will be in full display at a venue where he retired the other Mexican legend— Marco  Barrera.
 
For Diaz, it is important to keep his commitment as demanded by his governing  boxing body or else blame will be heaped on his handlers who were’nt good at getting him guys he can’t beat.