Pacquiao fight strategy: ‘Attack at once’

(In about 4 or 5 hours from this posting, the result of this boxing bout will be known - Author)

LAS VEGAS -- MANNY Pacquiao summarized in the fewest possible words his battle plan when he tangles with David Diaz for the World Boxing Council lightweight crown here.

“Attack agad (attack at once),” said Pacquiao. The game plan was a jab of sorts at Diaz, who is known in boxing circles as a slow starter who gets stronger as the fight progresses.

Initially, Pacquiao had hinted on sizing up Diaz in the early stages of the match, where he intends to become the first Asian to win titles in four different weight classes.

But to better exploit his latent advantage in speed and power Pacquiao has decided to press the attack early on.

He plans to check out as early as possible just how tough and durable Diaz really is.

Learning from his experience against Juan Manuel Marquez last March 15 when he wrested the WBC super flyweight title, Pacquiao said he won’t add too much pounds this time.

Against Marquez, Pacquiao tipped the scales at 129 pounds, but weighed 145 at fight time.

On Friday, Pacquiao tipped the scales at 134.5 during the official weigh-in. When popular ring announcer Michael Buffer announced the numbers, the crowd erupted.

Trainer Freddie Roach, also learning from the Marquez fight, will now strictly monitor Pacquiao’s food intake to prevent him from bulking up too much this time around. Roach expects Pacquiao to fight anywhere between 140 and 142 pounds.

Pacquiao said he’d take a walk Saturday morning to loosen up his muscles before taking a nap.

According to Pacquiao, he feels a little better, if not stronger, at 135. Pacquiao also said he didn’t have a hard time making the weight this time around.

“Hindi ako masyadong nagutom, di tulad ng dati (I didn’t go hungry, like before),” he said. “Now, I’m ready to go.”

Diaz checked in at 135 flat during the weigh-in.

Pacquiao believes he can withstand Diaz’s punches as he’s used to fighting sparmates who are as big or even bigger than Diaz.

What Pacquiao wants to know is whether Diaz can bear the impact of the power punches that have stopped 35 of his 46 victims in 51 fights.

In contrast, Diaz has only stopped 17 of his 34 victims in 36 bouts.

After the weigh-in, Pacquiao, who hadn’t eaten since Thursday night, feasted on ampalaya gisado, chicken adobo, kebab, tinola, and boiled eggs with slices of melon and watermelon on the side.(Roy Luarca; INQ.net)