Pacquiao wants Diaz before Marquez
David Diaz before Juan Manuel Marquez. That's the order that Manny Pacquiao would prefer to tackle his next two possible opponents – if he had his own way. But he'd fight either one next, depending on who Top Rank Promotions would set up for him on June 28, again at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, where he beat Marquez for the World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight title just a week earlier. "Kasi 'pag si Marquez baka maging personal na yung laban. Parang may alitan na kami niyan (If I fight Marquez again it might become personal, like we had a grudge against each other)," Pacquiao told media members at a press conference held Monday at GMA Network Center. Pacquiao, with wife Jinkee, arrived at around 12:50 p.m. at the Skyline Restaurant at the 17th floor of the network building, about an hour after being guest of honor at the live broadcast of Sis, a GMA variety show hosted by sisters Janice and Gelli de Belen and Carmina Villaroel. Pacquiao, who's also a GMA show host, had a hectic morning since arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, where he had a hero's welcome. He and his entourage had a brief rest and breakfast at the New World Renaissance Hotel in Makati, after which they heard Mass at the Quiapo Church in Manila, the capital city which had honored Pacquiao as its adopted son. Then it was straight to the GMA Network complex in Quezon City. Answering questions of Paolo Bediones, who hosted the press con with actress Pauleen Luna, Pacquiao said he would prefer to go up the 135-pound lightweight division and challenge Diaz for his WBC title than accept the rematch offer of Marquez. And he was confident that he could easily make the weight and be comfortable fighting in it, though he would be wearing heavier 10-ounce gloves. "Ngayon nga 151 pounds ako (Right now I weigh 151 pounds)," Pacquiao said. "Bago nung laban ko kay Marquez, 140 pounds ako (Before my bout with Marquez, I weighed 140 pounds)." All he did was eat every two hours – anything with rice and soup, except pork. That would probably be part of his regimen should he decide to go lightweight: No dieting while he underwent his usual gruelling physical training, so that he would gain weight without getting fat. As to the heavier gloves, he said: "Kung may tiwala ka naman sa lakas mo, kaya naman. Siguro mag-train din ako para mas lumakas pa (If you have faith in your own strength, it's no problem. And I'll probably train so that I get stronger)." At the moment, it seems he's dead set on becoming a lightweight, because as he put it: "Wala na akong ma-challenge, kaya ako naman siguro ang mag-challenge sa mas mabigat na division. Nandun ang mga magagaling na boksingero eh (I have nobody else to challenge in my division, so maybe it's my turn to challenge someone in a heavier division. That's where the good boxers are." In a light moment, he said he would like to take on Diaz, along with Joel Casamayor and Edwin Valero – in the same bout. "Una siguro si Diaz, tapos sa susunod na round si Casamayor. Tapos si Valero (First Diaz, then Casamayor in the next round. Then Valero)," he said. Then quickly added with a chuckle: "Joke." The date has been set for his next fight, but he said it would take up to two weeks at least before Top Rank announces his next opponent. Monday's press conference was attended by GMA officials, led by Gilberto Duavit Jr., chief operating officer. Also with Pacquiao were his long-time supporters – Environment Secretary Lito Atienza and Chavit Singson, former governor of Ilocos Sur. - Alexander T. Magno, GMANews.TV