Pacquiao Claims WBC Lightweight Championship

LAS VEGAS (Ticker) -- Manny Pacquiao completed his drive for five Saturday night when he claimed the WBC lightweight championship by knocking out David Diaz with 36 seconds remaining in the ninth round at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

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 his adversary to complete his quest to capture five world titles in as many weight classes. 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. The 29-year-old Pacquiao recorded his eighth straight victory since losing to Erik Morales in March 2005. Included in that 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.