Pacman to use 8-ounce gloves in bout vs Diaz

Manny Pacquiao has welcomed the decision of the Nevada State Athletic Commission amending its rule that requires boxers fighting from the lightweight to welterweight divisions to wear 10-ounce gloves.

The amendment came during a recent NSAC meeting where four of the five commissioners present voted for it.

Now, fighters in the 135 to 147 lb divisions can fight wearing 8-ounce gloves.

And the rule will be in effect when Pacquiao, the reigning WBC super-featherweight (130 lbs) champion, moves up in weight and challenges WBC lightweight (135 lbs) champion David Diaz on June 28.

Concerns were raised regarding Pacquiao’s move, and how the heavier gloves could affect his punching power that the Filipino superstar is trying to bring into the lightweight class for the first time.

“It’s fine with me,” said Pacquiao over the amended rule.

But at the same time, he said it doesn’t really matter.

“It’s not a problem with me as long as I wear the same gloves with my opponent. Even if it’s eight ounces or 10 ounces, it’s no problem with me,” said Pacquiao, now in his fourth day of training.

“Ang boxer na namimili pa ng gloves ay duwag. Kapag madami kang sinasabi sa gloves duwag ka (A boxer who’s choosy with his gloves is a coward. If you say a lot about the gloves you’re a coward),” he said.

Pacquiao is in Gen. Santos City going to school in the morning and working out at the gym in the afternoon.

Last Friday and Saturday, he worked out at the Wild Card Gym in Parañaque.

In his recent fights, Pacquiao has opted to wear the 8-ounce Cleto Reyes gloves, which is known in the business as the puncher’s gloves because of its thinner cushion in the knuckle area.

Diaz has been training since April 19, and should have no problem either with the gloves. He’s been fighting as a lightweight for quite some time now, and has even done a few as a welterweight.

Diaz wearing 8-ounce gloves, therefore, may work for him, too.

Viva Sports reported recently that Diaz has been training almost in seclusion, and that a small group of Filipinos who came to see him train in a Chicago gym were granted limited access.

Pacquiao and Diaz are scheduled to hold a press conference in Los Angeles on May 13, and another one in Chicago a week later.