Joseph Diaz will take on a new weight division when he clashes with Javier Fortuna for the WBC interim world lightweight title. Diaz says that beating Fortuna will prove he is a serious player in the 135-pound weight division.
Diaz is making a comeback of sorts. A short time ago, managerial issues and other distractions began to take away from developing his chosen craft. He also feels it is the perfect time to tackle the lightweight division. This decision comes after struggling to make the 130-pound weight limit for fights in the past.
Joseph Diaz says his present training camp is the best of his career. He supports his theory by saying it is one of the first times he can think of boxing only each day while preparing for a fight. Diaz also feels he possesses more strength and energy with no excess weight to lose heading into the fight week.
Jo Jo Diaz is expecting an all-out war against Javier Fortuna. We will “trade blows in a technical way,” he responds when asked how he sees the boxing match playing out. Diaz says he is well-prepared for the challenge Fortuna presents and expects to show fans the best possible version of himself.
This win “should place me high in the 135-pound division,” Diaz explains. He called Fortuna the “boogeyman” of the division and says many top fighters are afraid of him. Diaz acknowledges Fortuna’s power but scoffs at the notion that the Dominican-born boxer may try to overwhelm him with force.
“I fought two of the best boxers in the game.” Diaz referenced the 12 round unanimous decision victory he scored over Tevin Farmer and the only loss he suffered as a professional against Gary Russel Jr. Diaz says the experience from those fights will allow him to adjust to whatever problems he faces against Javier Fortuna.