Pacquiao eyes Hatton blockbuster clash after knocking out Diaz

A legend in his native Philippines and one of the sport's most popular fighters due to his exciting style, Pacquiao (47-3-2, 35 KOs) thoroughly dominated Diaz and floored Diaz for the final time with 36 seconds remaining in the ninth round at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. 
 

Pacman packing power: WBC lightweight champion David Diaz (left) was totally out-classed by Manny Pacquiao

 

As for his future, a fight next year against Manchester's light-welterweight Ricky Hatton is on the cards. 

'We will defend the WBC lightweight title later this year,' said promoter Bob Arum.

'There is a possibility we could fight Ricky Hatton next year. That remains to be seen.'

Although his WBC junior lightweight belt was not on the line, Pacquiao went on the offensive immediately and opened up a pronounced gash above Diaz's right eye and across the bridge of his nose.
 

Pacquiao, who already has won titles at flyweight, super bantamweight, featherweight and super featherweight, put an end to the carnage in the ninth round with a left jab which caught Diaz on the chin and sent him to the canvas.  

Pacquiao, 29, recorded his eighth straight victory since losing to Erik Morales in March 2005. Included in the winning streak is a pair knockout wins over Morales.  

The 32-year-old Diaz (34-2-1, 17 KOs) was making the second defense of his title after winning a unanimous decision over Morales last August, a verdict which sent the Mexican star into retirement.  

Concern: Referee Vic Drakulich motions for a ringside doctor after Pacquiao knocked out Diaz

On the undercard, Francisco Lorenzo claimed a controversial victory by disqualification over Humberto Soto to claim the  interim WBC super featherweight title.  

Soto (43-7-2, 27 KOs) dropped Lorenzo (33-4, 14 KOs) twice in the fourth round, but on the second occasion Soto landed another shot on the Dominican boxer while he was down on a knee, causing Lorenzo to bleed heavily.  

Referee Joe Cortez consulted with other ringside officials before disqualifying Soto.

'I am happy for the win tonight. I never thought I would win four world titles in four different classes,' Pacquiao said.

'I feel great at this weight. I feel stronger at 135 pounds than at 130. He did hurt me one time during the fight. David Diaz is a very strong fighter.'