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01/28/2005 Archived Entry: "Diaz Looks to Take Holt, Move One Step Closer to Destiny!"
Diaz Looks to Take Holt, Move One Step Closer to Destiny!
By Juan C. Ayllon
David Diaz celebrates yet another victory
CHICAGO, IL -- Former Olympian and undefeated junior welterweight prospect, David Diaz, wants a shot at a world title in a bad way. By his calculations, it is time. Highly disciplined, he has honed his body and his skills for a long time, now. A graduate of the 1996 Olympic Team class, he has labored meticulously largely under the conservative management of Jim Strickland since November 30, 1996. His record now stands at 26-0-0 with 14 knockouts.
Following a two-year layoff precipitated due to a death in the family, Diaz returned to boxing in September 2002. Taking on the managerial services of highly experienced boxing and cut man Strickland, whom he had met at the Olympic Trials, Diaz rededicated himself to his craft.
Subsequently, he sported seven stoppages in a row before registering an impressive unanimous decision against one very tough Jauquin Gallardo (14-1-1, 4 KO’s at the time). Afterwards, Diaz garnered victories over the likes of Emmanuel Augustus (UD 8), former world titlist Ener Julio (TKO 10)—who at 24-6 and one had never been stopped before—and dangerous puncher Jaime Rangel (TKO 10) who at 29-6-1 sported an 86 percent knockout ratio in his victories.
Even as alumni from the class of ’96 fought for, won and lost titles, Diaz grew increasingly restless biding his time. Sitting on the proverbial pot with a solid record, a loving wife and a baby on the way, it was time to make a movement, as it were.
Itching to get a shot at a title, Diaz was originally slated to fight fellow undefeated prospect, Demetrius “The Gladiator” Hopkins (16-0-1, 6 KO’s) via Showtime’s ShoBox televised boxing venue on February 4, 2005. While not a title shot, the match provided an opportunity to shine and bolster his case—and demand—for a title shot on national television versus a high profile name. Demetrius Hopkins is, after all, nephew to Bernard Hopkins, the undisputed Middleweight Champion of the World, as well as the only fighter to knock out Oscar De La Hoya. At the time, Duva Boxing promoted Hopkins.
Unfortunately, Demetrius not only counts Bernard Hopkins as his uncle, but as his manager as well. Rumor has it, after Bernard Hopkins ironically became partner with Oscar De La Hoya in Golden Boy Promotions, he told Demetrius that the fight with Diaz was too much risk for too little money and that he should join him at Golden Boy. Apparently, Demetrius took his advice and jumped ship.
As a result, Diaz, who was committed to the date, was left with no dance partner, as such.
Enter in one Kendall Holt. Under contract with Duva Boxing, Holt is a fast and hard-swinging knockout artist at 17-1-0, 11 KO’s. Although Holt is regarded by some as a step down from Hopkins in terms of level of competition, he is never the less considered “more dangerous than Demetrius,” according to Strickland, due to his punching power.
Regardless, Diaz apparently views the situation with equanimity, as he prepares for his bout. To him, it appears to be just another necessary step en route to the inevitable, a shot at a title; as a true professional, he’s taking this bout seriously, but keeping it in perspective of the larger goal: a world championship belt.
With scarcely a week to go, David Diaz took time out from his busy schedule to grant the Cyber Boxing Zone this exclusive interview.
On concerns regarding his upcoming bout versus Kendall Holt:
David Diaz: My only concern—and it’s not really a concern—is that we are very well prepared; I just want to be ready 100 percent. I’m not really concerned, though.
He’s a pretty big power puncher. I think we’ll be able to handle him pretty well.
On sparring for the bout:
DD: I’ve been working with Jermaine Marks—up until his fight last week—Jermaine Sanders, and Ottu Holifield. I worked with Jermaine Sanders for the speed—he’s really fast—just in case Holt comes out really fast. I also worked with Ottu and Carlos Andre—I don’t know the spelling of his last name—for the power.
On Diaz' strategy against Holt:
DD: Just basically take him out into the later rounds. I’ll try and test him and take him into the later rounds; I don’t think he’s ever been 10 rounds.
On what’s next in his career after Holt:
DD: I’m just going to see who will call us as far as promoters and fights…I’ll probably be getting the call to fight Top Ten fighters. Things should pretty much fall into place: get a bigger payday, a shot at a title. I’ll wait and see what opportunities I get.
On unification bouts if he wins a world title:
DD: I’m definitely not just having one belt! I would want to become undisputed. I would definitely go for the other two belts to become the undisputed champ!
On his previous sparring experience with IBF number two rated welterweight contender, David Estrada, as well as their similarities—in terms of resembling the prototypical Mexican fighter being willing to mix it up with and fight anybody:
DD: Estrada’s a pretty good, tough guy! I did some sparring with him when he was at 140. He took punches and gave punches! He’s a good fighter! He’s a real good guy, a class act.
[As far as stylistic similarities and willingness to fight anybody]: I believe so, at least that’s the way I am; if that’s the way he is, too, yes! We don’t duck nobody—I don’t duck nobody and he don’t duck nobody.
On sparring with Chicago favorite 140 pounder, Al “Speedy” Gonzales recently [Editor's note: Gonzales will be fighting on the same February 4th fight card against tough Oscar Diaz]:
DD: I did some sparring with him prior to our fights in December. It went pretty well!
On if he still intends on working with kids in boxing when he retires:
DD: I would like to, assuming all goes well. I would like to make some money and relax. If not, I will have to go and find myself a job!
On how his faith affects his boxing and his personal life:
DD: I have a very strong Catholic faith. I don’t see it affecting things badly; it affects it in a good way. I was brought up believing in God, in a Higher Power.
On the pending birth of his baby:
DD: [The baby is due] in April, the first two weeks in April. We still haven’t found out if it’s male or female, but so what. We’ll wait and see what the Lord gives us!
Closing remarks:
DD: Tell everybody out there that I appreciate the support. Tune in on ShoBox on February 4th and check it out!
Photo by Juan C. Ayllon
