Filipino Interviews David Diaz Transcript & Video
Apr 24, 2008
The upcoming Manny Pacquiao vs David Diaz boxing fight is just around the corner. Here's the transcript and video of the Dennis Principe's Sports Chat interview of David Diaz which occured on the first week of April 2008:
David Diaz Interview Video
Dennis Principe: Allright David, first and foremost, how are you now? Are you now, uh, training and preparing, getting in focus on your fight which most likely with be against Manny Pacquiao?
David Diaz: Yeah, we're already charged, we're already sparring 12 rounds, and running 10 miles. No, just joking. No, but we're doing a little bit of training, a little bit of running, uhm, just you know great contention workout for this great spectacular fight for myself.
Dennis Principe: Uhu, so when are you gotta start training David? Because your last fight was about a month ago.
David Diaz: Well, I've been running. Basically, just light shadow boxing in the gym and doing my usual stuff, some push-ups, stuff like that. Nothing heavy, I haven't hit the bag, or like anything like that. Most of the time, you know, just helping the guys at the gym, you know, getting into the jumping ropes, something like that.
Dennis Principe: Before we move on, David, if you don't mind. The biggest story right now, is Juan Manuel Marquez recently visited the country and personally challenge Manny to another fight. And Bob Arum gave his remark and obviously was not happy with what uh, Marquez did. But how about you? Your comment on that trip of Marquez.
David Diaz: Well, yeah, I mean, uh, the guy is definitely looking for the rematch because he lost his title. I can comprehend on one hand, but on the other, I mean, he will after going into this fight, Manny is going to call it at 135, regardless if he was the possible champion, and he was gonna come and fight me for the title. So, I mean, for him to do that, for me it doesn't really bother me because I am surely confident that Manny wants the fight. So it doesn't really bother me at all.
Dennis Principe: But do you think it was really a close fight, and it could go either way, like what Freddie Roach has been telling us?
David Diaz: Listen, listen, I like... at first, I said yeah, it was a close fight, you know, watching at fight, 'cause you know I was there. But doing it at home, I see that Manny won. Honestly, I think Manny won.
Dennis Principe: Convicingly? Truly, don't you think?
David Diaz: Excuse me?
Dennis Principe: Convincingly? You think he won convincingly?
David Diaz: Yeah, yeah. Definitely, definitely. Let me tell you why. I think he lost the 12th round, but not a big round. Marquez, did not come to him in the final round. And what come to mind is, you know what? You won this round, and your gonna do that. Now on the 11th round, Manny, Manny put it out on him, and came to him. So I thought Manny won.
Dennis Principe: So your fight against Manny is it a done deal? Are the contracts signed already? Or how many percent do you think...
David Diaz: On my part. On my part, we're just waiting out Manny, uhm, I guess, uhm, on my part we did.
Dennis Principe: Uhu, uhu, would you mind David, how much are you getting for this fight?
David Diaz: They told 10 million, but I don't know if it's true or not.
Dennis Principe: Hahahah, 10 million huh?
David Diaz: Yeah, they said 10 million, but I don't know...
Dennis Principe: ...Pesos, pesos
David Diaz: ...yeah, pesos, hahahah
Dennis Principe: ...hahahah
David Diaz: No, I'm just kidding.
Dennis Principe: Is this your biggest purse so far?
David Diaz: Oh yeah, it is. Well said. Hopefully, uhm, Uncle Sam doesn't want to tax me that much. Yeah, it is my biggest pay day. I understand this sports. I understand the business side of it, you know.
Look man, I've watched the Filipino fighter and everything. I understand that he's a big draw. You know, people come and see him. Now, why would people come and see him? 'Cause he's a natural fighter.
I know, that I'm not much of a draw. One, I wasn't supposed to beat Santa Cruz, but I beat him. I wasn't supposed to beat Morales, and I beat him. So now, you know, I'm not that well-known as a champion. I understand that I can't command the 2 or 3 million dollars that I hope to await in this fight.
Dennis Principe: But you think this is the fight, you know, that can give you that kind of attention? And probably finally make you command more money?
David Diaz: Yeah, I think it is. I think regardless of the outcome of this, I think everybody is gonna be happy that Manny took this fight. It would a be a fight that people come to see back to the old days boxing. So think this is gonna be very good fight for this sports.
Dennis Principe: Uhu. You know those who are crying for an immediate rematch between Manny and uh, Marquez, are saying that you don't stand a chance and Manny would just knock you out. Care to comment on that David?
David Diaz: I mean, everybody has an opinion. I also have two hands, and I know how to throw them as well. I've been in this sports for a long time so just because uhm, those people are the ones that are negative, really don't care what they say. I know what I have to do.
Dennis Principe: Uhu, and what do you think is your chance David against Manny?
David Diaz: Yeah, definitely. I give myself a very good chance, you know. And uhm, I think uhm, some say that I'm tailor made for Manny Pacquiao, and I beleive Manny is tailor made for myself, so that's why this fight is a very interesting fight. And uhm, one for the fans. Nobody is gonna be disappointed or anything like that. So everybody is gonna be happy.
Dennis Principe: Well, his star is maybe more glittery than yours David. But we know very well that Manny will be fighting for the first time as a lightweight, he'll be using much heavier gloves, totally new territory for Manny. But with that in mind, despite that Manny being the star for this show, do you think you can be considered a favorite for this fight David?
David Diaz: I hope that I am, but you could say that I'm bigger. But facing Manny is going up, and stuff like that. But you know I give myself a chance Dennis, and when it comes down to it, that's all it's gonna matter. It's gonna be me, him, and the ring. And uhm, I know that when I said stuff like that, you might think I'm crazy, might not convince you.
Dennis Principe: So what kind of fight we expect David? Will it be a KO? Will it be a brutal fight? What do you think will be the outcome?
David Diaz: I hope and I pray to God, God's will that I come out with my hands raised on top. The knockout, no, I'm not looking for it, honestly I'm not, but I am gonna look for a great fight. I'm not the type of person who would say that I'm gonna knock somebody out, when I know that Manny is a tough, durable person. We would have a great fight, and I know that it will be a lot of fun. I just pray that all's well, and we both come out okay, and uhm, obviously I wanna win, that's the most important thing.
Dennis Principe: Lastly, how about you coming over, and promoting the fight here in the Philippines? Is that part of your plan?
David Diaz: Well, I don't know, but it's something we would love to do. If the opportunity presents itself, and it doesn't interfere with my training, I would love to go to the Philippines, and see everybody there.
GOOD LUCK TO DIAZ AND PAC!