LAS VEGAS — Although Manny Pacquiao is the new 135-pound champion, he’s no mere lightweight.
At any weight, in any ring, the Filipino phenomenon looks like the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world. Packing five new pounds of power in his usual stunning hand speed, Pacquiao captured a title belt in his fourth weight class Saturday night, stopping David Diaz in the ninth round to claim the WBC lightweight championship.
After starting his career 13 years ago at 106 pounds, Pacquiao (47-3-2, 35 KOs) has evolved into a dominant fighter. His lightweight debut was every bit as action- packed as his long history of brawls at lower weights — and like most of his opponents, Diaz (34-2-1) couldn’t match Pacquiao’s ferocious pace.
Ballack might miss Euro final
VIENNA, Austria — German captain Michael Ballack missed his team’s last practice because of a calf injury, putting him in doubt for today’s European Championship final against Spain.
The German soccer federation said Ballack hurt his right calf Friday and did not train that day either.
• Steve Ralston scored once in each half to lead the New England Revolution to a 2-1 victory over visiting Toronto FC in MLS.
• San Jose goalkeeper Joe Cannon saved three late attempts, and the Earthquakes and host Chicago Fire played to a scoreless draw.
• Real Salt Lake defender Tony Beltran accidentally headed a free kick into his own net in the 89th minute, giving host Kansas City a 1-0 win that ended the Wizards’ winless streak at seven matches.
Ante Razov scored in the 49th minute as Chivas USA tied the visiting New York Red Bulls, who received a goal from Dave van den Bergh in the 26th.
Sky’s losing streak snapped
CHICAGO — Candice Dupree scored 18 points, Jia Perkins and Dominique Canty each had 14, and the Chicago Sky snapped a five-game WNBA losing streak with a 76-59 victory over the Detroit Shock.
• Sophia Young scored 20 points, and Ann Wauters added 14 points and 10 rebounds, as the host San Antonio Silver Stars beat the Minnesota Lynx 73-65.
• Matee Ajavon scored a season- high 24 points, tying a Houston rookie record, and the Comets pulled away in the fourth quarter for their fourth straight win, 75-61 over the visiting Indiana Fever.
• Kara Lawson had 21 points, including two key baskets in the fourth quarter, to help the host Sacramento Monarchs beat the New York Liberty 82-78.
Footnotes.
Mast Track beat favored Go Between by two lengths in the 69th running of the $750,000 Hollywood Gold Cup at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, Calif.
• Music Note beat 1-2 favorite Proud Spell in the Mother Goose Stakes for 3-year-old fillies, and Frost Giant won the Suburban Handicap at Belmont Park in New York.
• Running back Najeh Davenport was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
• The Utah Jazz exercised its option on forward Paul Millsap and made a qualifying offer to shooting guard C.J. Miles.
The Associated Press
