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Juan Diaz shapes as ’the coming J C Chavez’

WBA Champion Diaz Picks Up WBO Title

by ALAN HOPPER
Great series by DAVID M WARR

Crunch in the eye for Freitas

Diaz’ hook shakes brains

Don’s found a new Chavez

’I used to be champ’

MASHANTUCKET, Conn.,April 28 - World Boxing Association lightweight champion, Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz added the World Boxing Organization championship to his list of accomplishments tonight after Acelino "Popo" Freitas’s trainer, Oscar Suarez threw in the towel in the break between the eighth and ninth rounds at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Said Diaz: "My corner kept telling me to jab because it was effective but my ’inner-Mexican’ kept coming out. "I was surprised he was willing to stay in there and fight with me as much as he did. I thought he would try to box me more. He hit me with some clean punches and I stepped back a few steps when he did but he never seriously hurt me.
"My ultimate goal is to unify all the lightweight titles. In the people’s eyes you’re not the champion until you have all the belts. That’s what I want.
"I’m just a college student from Houston, Texas [University of Houston-Downtown]. I’m still a young champion.
I still have a lot to learn.
"I want to thank Popo Frietas for giving me the opportunity to face one of the greatest champions in the world.
"I want to tell all kids to stay in school and listen to your parents. That’s what I did."

Don King, promoter of Juan Diaz said: "It looks like Juan Diaz might be the next Julio Cesar Chavez."

Ronnie Shields, head trainer of Juan Diaz: "The whole game plan was to break down Freitas. Juan was to use his left jab to get close, then bang to the body.

"When Juan got hit with a clean shot he came back and gave more than he got. Nothing demoralizes an opponent more. It’s in the heart of all great champions."