MANILA, Philippines—Filipino ring hero Manny Pacquiao will depart for Los Angeles on Monday to formally begin training for his title showdown with World Boxing Council lightweight titlist David Diaz on June 28 in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao was originally slated to leave for California last May 10 but stayed put to finish school requirements and to fulfill commitments.

Even then, Pacquiao had started his physical conditioning. He also did light training at the Wild Card Gym in Parañaque City and in a gym in Gen. Santos City.

In his Philboxing column, Pacquiao said he would be in Los Angeles in time for a press conference with Diaz on Tuesday to drum up interest in the bout, set at Mandalay Bay Casino Events Center and dubbed “Lethal Combination” by Top Rank and MP Promotions.
Diaz may be naturally bigger but Pacquiao believes he can offset this with his speed.

“Like Diaz, I am a warrior in the ring,” said Pacquiao. “I know from watching DVD copies of his previous fights that he never gives up and never lets up even if he is behind or ahead in the scorecards.” Roy Luarca