Joseph Diaz got a gift at Thursday’s public interview – something he hasn’t seen on the scorecards recently. It was a red cap that read ‘WAR,’ like the one worn by Marvin Hagler quite a while back. Rick Mirigian, his manager, gave it to him as a present.
Diaz faces Oscar Duarte on Saturday, April 27, from the SaveMart Center in Fresno, Calif., as a feature of the undercard of Jose Ramirez versus Rances Barthelemy.
Diaz (33-5-1, 15 KOs) has a ton on the line against Duarte (26-2-1, 21 KOs) so the emblematic token of the cap is just a preface of what he is expecting following a harsh several years.
In 2020, prior to the pandemic, Diaz defeated Tevin Farmer to win the world title, but since then, things have been up and down.
When he fought Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov to a draw, he lost his IBF junior lightweight title. Since then, he has gone 2-4, though his split-decision losses to Mercito Gesta and Jesus Perez were questionable.
The 2012 Olympian is presently in a junction battle at just 31-years of age and he knows it.
Diaz stated to BoxingScene, “I have to really showcase to everybody that I am still a contender at any weight.” I’m energized, on the grounds that I am still up in the air, and a many individuals are excluding me – yet they will see Saturday night.”
‘War’ Could Be on the Horizon for Joseph Diaz in Vital Sink-or-Swim Fight https://t.co/CrgrDje5EY
— BoxingScene.com (@boxingscene) April 27, 2024
The majority of fighters have two careers. At the point when they are possibilities, with an ideal record and everybody has faith in them, that is stage one. Then, at that point, act two comes after they lose when the world starts to uncertainty them. That is frequently when a boss is characterized by their flexibility.
Diaz is projected to lose the fight. SportsBetting states this. Ag, Diaz is the underdog by +275. Duarte opens as a 375-point underdog.
Diaz stated, “Right now they have me as an underdog.” That, I believe, is based on Jesus Perez’s February defeat by split decision.
For Diaz, the ‘WAR’ cap he was gifted has less to do with Hagler, whom he adored watching, yet more to do with his attitude.
Diaz must give everything to Duarte, who stopped Ryan Garcia in the eighth round after giving Ryan Garcia an honest fight in December. His career might be in jeopardy.
Diaz commented on the motivation behind the present, “I think this hat means that we are going to leave it all in the ring.” It is do or die for myself, and I realize it is that way for Oscar Duarte, as well.”