Manny Pacquiao succesfully stepped up to lightweight and lifted the WBC title from David Diaz with a knockout at 2:24 of round nine. It is the fourth division in which Pacquiao has won a title.
Pacquiao (47-3-2, 36 KO's) was in complete control from the opening bell and steamrolled Diaz up until the point where he knocked the champion down in the ninth round. If there was any question going into the fight whether Pacquiao would be able to carry his speed and power up to the 135-lb. weight class, there isn't now. Both of these assets were the difference in the fight.
Diaz (34-2-1, 17 KO's) was gracious in defeat. It was the Chicago fighter's first loss since February of 2005 when he was stopped by Kendall Holt in eight rounds.
For "Pacman" the pound-for-pound issue gains even more steam, especially in the wake of Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s retirement. While Diaz isn't an especially polished figher or a great champion at this stage of his career, Pacquiao was absolutely masterful.
