Chicago, IL (February 27, 2008) Chicago based World Boxing Council Lightweight Champion David Diaz is busy preparing to battle Ramon Montano on Saturday, March 15th at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. The Diaz/Montano bout will be broadcast on HBO Pay-Per-View on the undercard of UNFINISHED BUSINESS, featuring the rematch of the epic battle almost four years ago between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez..
However, the collision course has been set for Diaz by his promoter, Top Rank Inc., to square off with boxing’s “Mexicutioner,” Manny Pacquiao later this year.
“I know the deal, if I beat Montano and Manny beats Marquez he’s going to move up to 135 to try and take my title. Good for him, I like the fact that he wants to fight for my title. If we both win on March 15th, I’ll be the first one to meet him at the post fight press conference to welcome him to 135. As far as I’m concerned they can officially announce the fight right then and there.”
“He wants to move up and try to continue collecting belts and I want to test myself against the very best and that’s what they call him. He beat Barrera twice, Morales twice, already has the draw with Marquez, beat Velasquez, Larios and Solis. He’s been on quite a run, if he beats Marquez on March 15th, maybe he’s the best fighter in boxing.”
Speaking about his bout with Montano, Diaz called it a priority first and foremost for him. “I’m sure Montano is preparing for the fight of his life, it’s his opportunity of a lifetime. As for me, when we touch gloves before the fight we’re going to do what we do and see who’s the better fighter. Bottom line is I know I must beat Montano to get a shot at Pacquiao.”
In regards to having the last seven months off since his win over Morales last August, Diaz said “The rest has been good, but I’m chomping at the bit here in Chicago. The cold weather and the snow we’ve had recently is both aggravating me and keeping me focused on Montano and March 15th.”
About his beloved Chicago Cubs who are in training camp in Mesa, Arizona, Diaz added, “I know a few of them want to come in for the fight. They were there when I beat Morales and at my other fights in Chicago. We’re in this together and they’re always welcome.”
The fistic debate about which fighter is the best finally will be settled when World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight champion JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ defends his title against three-division world champion MANNY PACQUIAO in a 12-round battle for pound-for-pound supremacy. Promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank, in association with Romanza Boxing Productions and MP Promotions, Marquez-Pacquiao II will take place Saturday, March 15 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.
Tickets for Marquez-Pacquiao II,priced at $600, $400, $300, $200 and $100, are on sale at the Mandalay Bay box office and at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers, Macy’s West at the Fashion Show Mall, and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000 or Mandalay Bay (702) 632-7580. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com