Juan Diaz- "the baby bull"

Diaz, 24, recently lost his WBA, WBO and IBF titles to Nate Campbell on March 8, 2008. The loss was the first of his fighting career. Diaz suffered a severe cut to his left eye caused by a headbutt, the cut affected Diaz’s vision throughout the bout. Diaz reports that his left eye is now fully healed after having a minor procedure performed to raise an infection, as Diaz describes the cut and his “stubbornness” in not leaning into the corner of it caused him to lose the fight. Diaz says he veered away from his usual fight plan, which includes punches and a flow of combinations, instead Diaz stayed in and Campbell was able to land some solid punches. Two of the three judges scored the fight for Campbell giving him the split decision win.

Diaz informs us that his next fight is scheduled for September 6, 2008 against Michael Katsidis. The fight will take place at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, which is Diaz’s hometown, the only detail missing is for both fighters to officially sign the contract. This will be Diaz’s return to Houston after not fighting there for 3 years and he sees it as a huge home field advantage. Diaz prides himself on being a champion, he understands the dedication it takes to win his belt back. Diaz is not only committed to winning back the championships, he is also a full-time student graduating from the University of Houston next year, where he is a law major. According to Diaz, his daily routine includes getting up early and heading straight to the 24/7 Wellness Center, where he starts the day with weight training followed by swimming and then off to University. Diaz is so committed to graduating that he even enrolled in Summer School. In the evening, Diaz will return to the gym to finish his workout for the day on the master stair. This daily training routine, which differs from the boxer’s normal training plan, was devised by his strength and conditioning coach, Brian Caldwell. With all this going on Diaz finds time to study to keep up good grades, after graduation Diaz who is Mexican American plans to get into Law School. Ultimately, he would like to be involved in Immigration Law or Sports Contracts. Diaz, like former Mexican boxing champion and Hall of Famer Carlos Palomino, will be one of the few champion boxers to have a college degree. In reality, Palomino on January 21, 1977 fought Armando Muñiz, this was the first time that two boxers with college titles fought for a world title.

Diaz, who began learning to box at the age of 8, had a significant amateur career compiling a 105-5 record, however he was barred from competing for the Mexican Olympic team in 2000 because he was underage. Not wanting to wait another four years, Díaz turned professional and won his first professional fight on June 23, 2000 at the age of 16, defeating Rafael Ortiz with a first-round knockout. Since his first fight, Diaz has won 32 fights and has a 33-1 record. Now, Diaz looks to resume his winning ways against the tough Michael Katsidis, a native of Toowoomba, Australia. Katsidis (23 -1) (20KO’s) is also coming off his first loss in which he was knocked out by Joel Casamayor in the tenth round. Diaz says that he has begun studying Katsidis films and together with his longtime coaching staff or Ronnie Fields and Derwin Richards will develop a top notch game plan. Diaz, who was devastated to lose his title belts, understands that he is more forward looking and needs to continue his career. A victory over Katsidis will put him back in the hunt for the lightweight title which, in addition to Campbell and Casamayor, includes the talented Anthony Peterson and Amir Khan.

After the fight with Nate Campbell, Diaz switched promoters from Don King to Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy. Juan says the change was for the better now that he is with promoters who care about their fighters and guide them to the right matchups. Golden Boy featured Diaz at the April 19 fight between Joe Calzaghe and Bernard Hopkins in Las Vegas. Diaz was part of the weigh-in event and shared the stage with many great boxers and celebrities. As legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer announced each celebrity on stage, Diaz would surely remind Buffer to announce him as Juan Diaz “The Baby Bull.” Diaz is truly “The Baby Bull” with an undeniable work ethic and a never-give-up attitude. ‘The Baby Bull’ is on the right path of life.