By Hermie Rivera
(Photos by Levi Gutierrez)

June 28 is when the Philippines boxing phenom Manny Pacquiao authors a bid for a fourth title when he takes on David Diaz for the lightweight championship of the planet.

The Mandalay Bay resort/casino in Las Vegas is is where the Filipino idol accosts the Mexican-American champ in a slugfest purists are betting won't go the distance.

A match-up of game finishers ends early or stopped in the late rounds.

Now, Manny who's on leave as a junior lightweight is looking at a meeting with Manchester's pride Ricky Hatton which David covets having garnered the Atlanta Olympic silver plus past triumphs as a 140 pound pro.

The privilege of competing with the new 'pound for pound king' is where Diaz is looking at right now.

Unaccustomed to fighting in the 135 pound limit, the Pinoy hotshot is assuring doubting devotees that he is not straying out of his comfort zone.

Diaz' fixation in retaining his title belt is legend. Chicago's pride wants Pacquiao's scalp real bad.

What makes this fight appealing is the bonanza the winner acquires.

So much is at stake and both warriors want a furious start that could only translate into a violent battle in sustained velocity.

This happens when a crowd-pleasing puncher like Manny is matched with a proven belter in David.

"I'm ready in case he tries to pull a fast one in our Mandalay party. I can't let my fans down who are rooting for a smooth acquisition of David's crown" Pacquiao assured

A marked improvement in ticket sales and PPV orders have been noted by the promoters as the lightweight sluggers start easing-off in their rigorous grind.

Now what?

Somewhere in the boardrooms of the world's leading promoters are stacks of proposal for a year-ending 'biggie' featuring England's Ricky Hatton and the Philippines' Manny Pacquiao.

Keep tuned.