By Frank Malilong
The Other Side

THERE goes the goat.

Hours before Manny Pacquiao fought David Diaz in Last Vegas last Sunday, the Los Angeles Times reported an incident during a news conference in which the fight’s promoters established what the paper described as a new “high (low?) for gimmicks.”

“Diaz, a big Chicago Cubs fan,” wrote LA Times columnist Bill Dwyre, “was told that there would be a goat on hand, that it would represent the famous curse of the goat that Cubs fans often point to as the reason their team has been generally worthless and that were he to win the fight, the curse of the goat would be off.”

Diaz was, however, informed of the plan only minutes before the goat was brought out and, wanting no part of it, headed for the men’s room.

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By Jingo Quijano
Last Round

HOW will the added weight affect Manny Pacquiao?

One common misconception is that Manny bulked up to get to the 135-pound division. The truth is, Manny did not actually get bigger for this fight.

When Manny moved up to lightweight, what happened was that Manny simply had to cut less poundage for the weigh-in. Whereas before he had to make 130 pounds., he now has to make “just” 135 pounds. (full story)

THE quest for added fame and glory for Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and Mexican-American David Diaz, both world champions in their own rights is billed at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas this coming Saturday (Sunday, Manila time). By any yardstick, both superstars are hungry to box it out!

Pacquiao, 29, the challenger with a lot of heart, wants to dethrone Diaz, 32, from his prestigious title as the World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion. (full story)