1. Defense
The Filipino icon’s defense has always been regarded as his main weakness. But not in this fight. In fact, he ended the fight without a pockmark.
He’s got good head movement, excellent defensive reflexes, and perfectly blocked or parried the shots of his opponent. I thought Diaz would be able to dig some shots at close range, but consistently failed to do so—a clear testament to Manny’s much-improved defense.
2. Patience
Early in his career, Manny’s headhunting tactics at the opening bell are what endeared him to the fans -- and caused violent knockouts in the process.
But the thing is, he has evolved into a thinking fighter, and he picks his spots in the fight. He does not endanger himself unnecessarily anymore. He simply wears down his opponent in the early going of the fight and when the time is ripe—BAM!—he delivers the KO punch.
3. Better punch combinations
Manny used to rely solely on his lead right jab-quick left straight combo to deliver stunning knockouts. But not anymore.
In his fight against Diaz, he used several angles to deliver a combination of punches. He effectively used his right hand, and was able to wear down his opponent with violent combinations in devastating regularity.
4. Hand speed, punching power, and endurance carried over to the lightweight division
Hand speed was the main difference in his fight against Diaz. He was so quick that he was hitting his opponent at will. Left crosses, right hooks, left hooks, uppercuts—he was landing those punches with tremendous consistency.
Punching power was also very evident, as well as his endurance. He was an energizer bunny in the entire duration of the fight, and constantly peppered his opponent with an array of bombs from different angles.
Manny Pacquiao showed his absolute best in this violent but stunning destruction of David Diaz. Questions were definitely answered that the Filipino ring idol is still at HIS PEAK. NO DOUBT!
