I recently sat down with the former undisputed lightweight world champion, Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz and got his thoughts on the possible rematch between himself and the legendary Juan Manuel Marquez. Diaz informs the Examiner that this rematch has been agreed upon verbally and that he is just waiting for his contract to sign. Diaz also talks about the recent tragedy in Venezuela where undefeated knockout artist Edwin Valero allegedly murdered his wife, and then killed himself in his jail cell the following day. Check out what else one of the best lightweight fighters in the world today had to say in this exclusive Examiner.com interview.
BC – Juan thank you for talking with Examiner.com
JD – Thanks for talking to me Brad.
BC – Juan can you give us an update on how the negotiations are going for your rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez?
JD – Well right now both sides have agreed on the venue, the money, on everything. I am just waiting for Golden Boy to send me a contract to sign.
BC – Where would this rematch take place?
JD – Well they are talking about having the rematch at the MGM in Las Vegas, but that is subject to change.
BC – When you fought Marquez you were winning the fight up until you got knocked out. This must be exciting for you to get this rematch opportunity. What have you learned from your last fight that you can take with you into this next fight?
JD – Well I learned not to get too excited in the ring. I threw a lot of punches in the first fight, and I got worn out due to the mental stress and being so pumped up for that fight. I was fighting in my hometown in front of my fans. I will be more relaxed in this next fight.
BC – Juan Manuel Marquez is extremely smart. He’s one of the smartest fighters in the sport. Will it be important for your team to create a game plan that will surprise him?
JD – I was not focused 100 percent last time I fought him. This time around it’s going to be different He will see a completely different boxer this time around. Yes, we will have some things for him that he will not be ready for.
BC – Do you feel better fighting back down at the lightweight division?
JD – Yes much better. Fighting at the Jr Welterweight division took it’s toll on me. There are some guys that go up in weight and do well. I am more comfortable at the lightweight division. I belong down here and not any other weight class.
BC – You are a fighter that likes to come forward. Malignaggi likes to move around and box, and move. Are you more comfortable fighting a guy like Marquez that will stand in front of you and engage?
JD – Yes, Marquez will stand in there and fight. His style and my style will make for a much better fight. I love a fight. I love to get in there and mix it up. Marquez will make this a fight, a fight that the fans will get into.
BC – This is a huge fight for you. You have made a nice living in boxing for a guy your age, but a win over Marquez really shoots up your stock. Put it into your words what a victory over Marquez will do for you.
JD – Let me put it to you like this. This is a do or die fight for me. I have accomplished everything that I need to in boxing. I became world champion at 20 years old. One of the youngest world champions in history. I am fighting now only for personal satisfaction. I want to be the best at everything that I do. My personal goal is to be number one in the lightweight division. If this fight does not go my way, I am smart enough to know when something is done. This fight for me is going to prove a lot of things. If I win, it will prove that I am the best in the lightweight division. If I lose this fight, I will go on to do bigger and better things as a lawyer.
BC – You have a degree right now, and you aspire to be an attorney. When your boxing career is over, how do you want to be remembered by the boxing fans?
JD – Fans come and go. To me it’s more important to be remembered by all people, not just fans. I want people to look at me and say, ‘Hey if that guy can do it, I can do it.’ I mean Brad, I don’t have a six pack body, I got love handles around me. When someone looks at me, they don’t see a world champion boxer, they see a regular person. You don’t have to be the stereotype of a boxer, just work hard and anything is possible. I want people to use me as proof of that.
BC – Some fans actually say some pretty mean things about Roy Jones Jr. Some of the comments I read about Roy are ridiculous.
JD – It’s sad that fans talk so low about a fighter like Roy Jones. They need to admire what that guy has done. People should just respect what he has done, and if you don’t like the guy at least say things politely. Boxing is like a drug, it’s hard to give it up. I am a fighter, so I understand that. If anything, instead of saying negative things about Roy, just don’t watch his fights and maybe that will show Roy that it’s time to give it up.
BC – Recently undefeated knockout artist Edwin Valero murdered his wife. The next day he killed himself in his jail cell. Give me your thoughts on this tragic story.
JD – I feel sorry for the little girls that he left behind, his daughters. I will not judge Edwin Valero, I just hope that his little girls can get the best care possible. Valero could have been a great one in boxing. Valero in his last fight proved a lot. He didn’t just come straight forward, he was moving and throwing from angles. He could have been a great fighter. The entire story is very sad.
BC – On May 1st Floyd Mayweather Jr will fight Shane Mosley. What do you think is going to happen in this fight? READ Mike Marley’s latest Mosley vs. Mayweather article here – http://www.examiner.com/x-5699-Boxing-Examiner~y2010m4d20-Floyd-Mayweather-hurls-stink-bomb-into-Shane-Mosley-fight
JD – Man this has a chance to be the fight of the decade. A few years ago I would have picked Shane Mosley. I think that Mayweather is going to pull this fight out. Floyd’s defense is incredible. Floyd’s got power too. Nobody should miss this fight. This is the best fighting the best, and these two guys will make a great fight. This could be the fight of the decade, but I can’t say it’s going to be THE BEST. I think my fight with Juan Manuel Marquez WILL be the best fight! (laughing)
BC – Do you have any closing thoughts?
JD – I want to tell my fans that my rematch with Marquez is scheduled for July 12th at the MGM Grand, in Las Vegas. This is going to be a summer fight, so if you’re planning a summer trip come to Vegas and see my fight live! I will fight my heart out. I will give this fight everything that I have!
