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01/19/2004 Archived Entry: "David Diaz Looking for Title Shot in 2004"
David Diaz Looking for Title Shot in 2004
By Juan C. Ayllon
Chicago, Illinois - Ex-Olympian David Diaz of Chicago, will continue his quest for a title shot at junior welterweight next Friday (January 30th) at the DePaul Athletic Center. At 22-0 (12 knockouts), Diaz is a sculpted, modern athlete who—with weight training and cross training—brings a fresh blend of “old school” and modern approaches to the boxing ring. He sports an old-fashioned work ethic and a plethora of offensive and defensive tools, using good movement, technique and combinations that mix jabs and straight rights with multiple hooks, uppercuts and the vaunted “Goncho Punch” made famous by many Latin legends—a hybrid left hook/uppercut to the liver.
Over the weekend, David Diaz, who is rated 6th in the world granted the Cyber Boxing Zone an exclusive interview.
Juan Ayllon: What are some of the things you learned in your last fight, an eight round decision over tough Frankie Sanchez?
David Diaz: The first thing is that not everybody is going to go down! I learned to box more, to fight more crispier, to move a lot more from this bout. Basically, we’re trying to get more boxing in, work on the jab more, throw more one-twos and follow through. That [combined with my aggression] makes the complete boxer. To box more would add more to the arsenal.
JA: After the fight with Sanchez, in the dressing room, you had a lot of abrasions on your upper body. Viewed from ringside, you managed to avoid a lot of shots, catching them on arms and shoulders mostly. Can you elaborate more?
DD: We were catching punches, trying to work our way in and land. However, he was switching back and forth from southpaw to “righty,” changing up pretty well. I was trying to time him. I let him hit my shoulders as I tried to get to him. I got him several times, but not as much as I would have liked.
JA: I understand that as of yesterday, your opponent had not been selected. Do you now know whom you will be fighting?
DD: That’s still up in the air. That’s what happens with the little show fights. We don’t know who we will be fighting. Either way, we are ready to go eight rounds again.
(Ed note: It was announced today that Emmanuel Augustus was selected as Diaz’ opponent. See Press Release below for more information.)
JA: Is there a particular type of fighter that you have been looking to go up against?
DD: I don’t have any control of that. However, I am hoping he will be a fighter, a boxer. I just hope that he’s an exciting fighter to get the crowd excited, who can throw punches and move around.
JA: How are you preparing for this fight, not knowing whom it is you will be going up against?
DD: Everything is the same, but more. I am doing lots of cardio, hitting the bags. I am working a lot with defense for this fight, to be able to slip punches. I am covering every angle. I won’t get hit as much this fight.
JA: When we last talked, you said that you wanted to fight for a title in 2004. Are there any new developments or plans in that regard?
DD: Hopefully, but right now, there’s nothing concrete. We’re just trying to get ready for it. We don’t have a promoter yet. Once I get a promoter, things will fall in place.
JA: So, what you’re saying is that you are looking for a major promoter to get you the big money fights?
DD: Our managers are getting in contact with promoters. I think part of it [the difficulty in procuring a big promoter] is that I had boxed before and quit. I think that’s in the back of their mind. Now, I’m a different fighter. I’m committed.
JA: What happened that made you decide to quit?
DD: I was a young kid and I stopped working out. Part of it has to do with my brother passing away. Also, my mother was sick. She was on dialysis for five years. Then, finally, she got a kidney transplant in 2001.
JA: How long were you out of boxing?
DD: I was a whole two years out of boxing. My last fight before I quit was in the year 2000. I had one fight in 2000. I didn’t fight again until 2002.
JA: I had heard that when you came out of the amateurs that you boxed a lot, but you weren’t knocking anybody out and you eventually quit. After you returned to the ring from your hiatus, you had more leverage on your punches, you were more mature and you started knocking people out. Is that a fair assessment?
DD: Yes. I feel that at the beginning of my career, I wasn’t setting down on my punches. I was fighting like an amateur, just throwing punches for points. Since then, I have been taking shots a lot better, setting down on punches more and getting lots of knockouts.
JA: Do you have any plans to eventually move up in weight or do you intend on staying at junior welterweight?
DD: I plan on staying at junior welterweight. If there’s an opportunity at 135, I’ll take it. I have no problem making 140. Whatever opportunity comes, I will think about it and go for it.
JA: Have you sparred with big name fighters? If so, tell us about it. What did you take away from the experience?
DD: I was sparring at Diego Corrales’ camp before he fought Casamayor. It was a real good experience. It was totally different. He’s a good puncher with tremendous body shots and a good punch. I really liked the feel of the training camp. It was different; the training habits and the level of sparring—I wish I could spar like that all the time! I think I came out with different knowledge on how to fight. I started experimenting with boxing and moving more.
JA: So, how would you describe yourself now, as compared to a couple of years ago?
DD: I am a much smarter fighter. Before, I was a bull trying to see if I can land. Now, I am a much smarter fighter with more knowledge of boxing.
JA: Does boxing afford you a comfortable living currently?
DD: Right now, boxing is making ends meet. Sometimes it’s pretty good and sometimes it gets rough. Now that I’m married, I have a wonderful wife that helps me a lot. So, it’s not really great, but it’s not bad. I am looking forward to better days ahead in boxing. It’s not far off!
JA: What would you say to the casual boxing fan—or promoter—sitting at home?
DD: I would say definitely come out and see the fight. Keep supporting me. I will make noise this year! I will eventually get a title fight.
Press Release
Dominic Pesoli and 8 Count Productions, the Midwest's premier boxing promoter, is proud to announce further details of two huge action packed cards taking place at the DePaul Athletic Centeras they kick off another monster year for Chicagoland's fight fans. After setting house attendance records in 2003, 8 Count Productions promises even bigger and better events for its rapidly growing loyal fan base. Tickets for both shows, starting at $25 can be purchased by calling 312-226-5800. The DePaul Athletic Center is located at 2323 N. Sheffield in the Lincoln Park area of the Windy City. Bell time for both shows is 8pm, doors at 7pm.
Undefeated junior welterweight David Diaz, currently ranked #6 in the world, seeks to continue his dominant rise to a future world championship match in 2004 as he takes on the toughest fighter in the division, Emmanuel Augustus headlining Superbrawl Showdown. Taking on Micky Ward in 2001, Augustus lost a very close decision on ESPN2 in Ring Magazine's Fight of the Year. Formerly the IBF Inter-Continental Champion, Augustus has been in huge battles with the likes of current undisputed lightweight champion Floyd Mayweather, Jr., current junior lightweight champion Jesus Chavez, former world champions Leonardo Dorin, John-John Molina, Teddy Reid, Antonio Diaz, Diobelys Hurtado and Ivan Robinson. Mayweather Jr. has gone on record as saying his war with Augustus three years ago was the toughest fight of his career as both fighters slugged through a bloody match on HBO. No question, Augustus provides Diaz with his toughest challenge as sparks should fly early in this crossroads battle.
Also appearing at Superbrawl Showdown on January 30th is local favorite Rocky '"The Mexican Kid" Martinez, fast rising prospect "Macho" Miguel Hernandez and KO artist Luciano "El Gallo Bravo" Perez. Further information on these and other bouts will be announced shortly.
On Friday, February 27th, 8 Count Productions teams up with one of boxing biggest promoters, Bob Arum's Top Rank Incorporated to bring former junior middleweight world champion Luis "Yory Boy" Campas to Chicago in his first local appearance as he headlines a big night of battle. Co-headlining the card is a bout that promises wall to wall action from the opening bell as Al "Speedy' Gonzales takes on his toughest opponent, Las Vegas native Jessie Feliciano in a scheduled eight round battle. With both combatants having the reputation of swinging fast and hard from the opening bell, fight fans should witness unprecedented action from the opening bell. Speaking of the bout this past weekend, Gonzales stated "he's the Vegas badass who's coming to rip my head off and I'm down with tearing him apart so let's hit it."
Also appearing on the card is the return of classy junior middleweight Freddie Cuevas to the local ring. Additional information on these and other bouts will be available shortly.
Season tickets are now available for these and other big 8 Count Productions shows by calling 312-226-5800. Fight fans are encouraged to reserve their seat for a great year of action from the Midwest's premier boxing promoter.
Having opened last month, JABB Boxing Gym has quickly become home to the Chicago's finest professional and amateur boxers including David Diaz, Freddie Cuevas, Luciano Perez, 2000 Olympian Michael Bennett, Rocky Martinez and Gabriel Rodriguez. Classes and hands on training are currently being handled by former world ranked featherweight Mike "The Fly" Garcia. For more information on classes and camps at reasonable rates for amateurs and novices call JABB at 312-733-5222. JABB Boxing Gym is located at 410 N. Oakley near the intersection of Grand &Western in the heart of Chicago.
