PAQUIAO

He's in great physical shape and his training is going smoothly. Manny Pacquiao is ready to rumble with David Diaz this early. Though their showdown for the World Boxing Council lightweight crown is set on June 28 yet, Pacquiao announced in his Philboxing.com column on Thursday that a month of intensive training in Los Angeles has turned his body into a mean fighting machine. But Pacquiao and his team, led by celebrated American trainer Freddie Roach, are leaving nothing to chance.

According to Pacquiao, they have charted several plans, depending on what kind of attack, style and movement Diaz will adapt for their pay-per-view tussle at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

"We have carefully studied his (Diaz's) fighting style," said Pacquiao. "We have seen on film how he attacks as well as how he defends. We are trying to plan and create counterattacks as well as combinations in order for us to break down his defense. We are quite sure we have dissected his fighting style."

On Tuesday, Pacquiao sparred for 10 rounds with Noel Rodriguez, Steve Quinones and Roger Gonzales, and Roach expressed satisfaction that the GenSan lefty showed uncanny speed and strength.

After one more week of routine preparation, Pacquiao will enter the hardest part of his training, raising his rounds with the mitts and going through 12 rounds of sparring.

Even with the hours he spends jogging in Hollywood and working out at the Wild Card Gym, Pacquiao said he still longs for the presence of his family.

To fend off loneliness, Pacquiao said he plays chess and darts and reads the book Purpose Driven Life in his spare time.

Pacquiao knows he can't afford distractions at this time.