It was all but over. Diaz, his face being rearranged and with blood gushing all over his head, is being badly beaten in the ninth round. Then, a stiff left semi-hook from Pacquiao downs David Diaz face first to the canvass, and referee Vic Draculich doesn't even manage to count. Diaz, who was being clobbered like a ragdoll a few minutes ago, stays down to the mat, and it looks bad. Then Pacquiao, maybe not yet realizing a great feat he has accomplished, postpones his celebration for a while, and goes straight to the fallen Diaz and try to help him get up.
In what was to be the greatest surprise for the night (for many), Pacquiao showed a classic gesture of genuine concern towards a fallen opponent. In less than a minute, he went from looking like a beast in the ring out to knock the hell out of the granite chinned Diaz, to a class act; this should definitely endear him more not only to his legions of Filipino fans, but also to everyone throughout the world.
This simple act of kindness is what the world of boxing badly needs. Sure, all of the shovings, brawls and curses during pre-fight conferences can help sell tickets and more PPV buys, but the Diaz-Pacquiao fight showed the world that you don't need two bad-ass fighters to help sell tickets. In fact, there was not even a sign of any bad blood between David and Manny. They are just two boxers out there to win and entertain the fans, which mattered most.
I think with the current state of boxing, we do not need any more of these hatred and "personal" issues going on before the fight. The boxing public is mature enough to know what bouts are just being all hype and no action.
What boxing needs is more of Pacquiao and Diaz. I'd rather watch boring pre-fight conferences that lead to action-packed fights in the ring than two over-the-hill fighters talking about wives and mothers (yeah, I'm talking to you Mayorga) and leading to uncompetitive fights.
Diaz, gracious in defeat, acknowledges the overwhelming mismatch between his skill and Pacquiao. He didn't make any excuses. And Pacquiao, ever the humble fighter, told everyone in the building that Diaz was the toughest fighter he has faced, and gave all his respect to him.
Boxing needs a lot of other fighters like Diaz and Pacquiao, who are true gentleman in and out of the ring. Boxing needs a lot more of these warriors who give the fans what they pay for: no holds barred action. And it does not take a rocket scientist to see that Pacquiao truly is a great champion by beating Diaz. Manny Pacquiao may have not have only won his fourth title belt that night; he has also won the hearts of all fight fans around the world.
