By Hermie Rivera

Los Angeles, CA– He’s had 13 years in his harsh calling and Manny Pacquiao finally gets the chance to add a fourth title when he challenges World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion David Diaz at the Mandalay Bay resort/casino in Las Vegas Nevada.

Pacquiao attempts to be the first Filipino champion in the 135-pound division. Others, notably Hall of Famer Gabriel ‘Flash’ Elorde failed twice against the redoubtable Puerto Rican Carlos Ortiz.

“Malaki ito at sisikapin kung maagaw yung korona ni Diaz (It’s the big one definitely and we’ll let it all hang out to grab the crown.),” the Filipino superstar declared at a well-attended presser at the Bonaventure Hotel in downtown L.A.

In Diaz, the Pacman will be unleashing his ghastly blows against a fighter who also wields his own brand of power shots.

“First round pa lang talagang upakan na, bakbakan at maganda ito para grabe ang action sa ring (an all out war starts in the early going so the fans will lap it up),” enthused the Filipino ring idol. “Yan ang gusto natin ‘todo buhos’. Importante makuha natin ang belt (We have to win the belt),” he added.

“It’s going to be a lovely brawl (magarang palitan ito),” assured the GenSan mauler who’s not wanting in humility in projecting a decisive ending of his June 28 ring date.

Undefeated since his loss to Erik Morales, the new WBC junior lightweight champion’s last win was against Juan Manuel Marquez who remains steadfast in having another shot at the Pinoy idol. “But that won’t happen,” says promoter Bob Arum who ruled out a rubber bout between the bitter jr. lightweight rivals.

Manny’s inability to take out Marquez in their March duel has fueled the Mexican’s obssessive drive for a third match despite Pacman’s effective punching throughout their hard-fought thriller.

“We’ve put that fight behind us,” Pacquiao shrugged as he braced for a slugfest with Diaz.

Diaz himself vowed not to let Pacquiao breathe all throughout the 12 round war since, by his own reckoning is in top shape.

“It’s all go,” boasted the defending champion as he let go with a yell of gratitude to Manny and Bob Arum for making the fight happen.

Quite a mean feat really if the Chicago Mex-Am can accomplish what no Mexican has ever done— stop Manny dead with heart-pounding respiratory tract barrage.

Fact is, a lot depends on how fresh the contending warriors will be feeling as they reach the final two rounds— if ever the fight goes that far.

Methinks it will not.

What’s your take?