DAVID Diaz will clash with Ramon Montano on Saturday but probably more than his eagerness to get it done with, the WBC world lightweight champion is anxiously awaiting the result of the main bout on the fight card at the Man-dalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Manny Pac-quiao and WBC world super featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez headline the fight card, with the former heavily favored to steal the crown before moving up in weight for a possible match with Diaz.

The Mexican-American, who less than a year ago defended his belt against Mexican superstar Erik Morales, knows it would be a big boost for his career to take on the flamboyant Pacquiao.

"If it happens, it’ll be a dream opportunity," said Diaz in an article posted Wednesday on the web-site thesweet-science.com, quickly adding both he and Pac-quiao face crucial fights.

"But we both have to win. I think Manny has a tough road ahead of him. I can’t discount a great fighter like Juan Manuel Marquez. He could easily ruin everything.

"Of course I’ll be rooting for Pac Man.

"If he beats Marquez, he’s coming up to 135 (pounds) and I’ll be there waiting to welcome him. I’m just hoping Marquez will cooperate."

Pacquiao earlier said he would be looking to move up in weight and that he believes he has what it takes to beat Diaz.

"He’s strong but he’s not fast. He’s a good fighter, and strong, but I believe that I can beat Diaz," Pacquiao said.

Diaz said he would be ready.

"I want that fight badly. Pacquiao is the top dog," said Diaz, a former Olympian.

"Beating him would be a great achievement. I know I’d be the underdog like always but there’s no quit in me. I’ve proved it in the past. I think you’d see a good old fashioned war."

Aside from a big payday, the Chicago-based prizefighter is also looking to prove himself against critics.

"I don’t feel like I have people’s respect yet but it’ll come," said Diaz, who has a 33-1 win-loss record with 17 knockouts.

"I’ve been overcoming odds for a long time. I wasn’t supposed to be a champion. I wasn’t supposed to beat Morales but I did. I have to keep proving people wrong."

Although the possible fight ahead is obviously in his mind, the 31-year-old Diaz insists he is not looking past the bout with Montano (14-3) at the weekend.
"Not at all. If there’s one thing I’ve learned is to never underestimate anybody," said Diaz.