Q&A: Felix Diaz

By Robert Coster
Photo: Diario Libre

In 2008, Felix Diaz won the gold medal in the 139 lb class at the Olympic Games in Beijing. He thus became a national hero in his native Dominican Republic. In the pro ranks, however, it hasn’t been smooth sailing for the 27-year-old welterweight who spots (9-0, 6 KOs) record. “I consider that, as a former Olympic champion, I should be way more advanced in my career. I have only fought once in the last six months.” Last week, Diaz announced that he was parting ways with German Titov Promotions and would not renew his contact with the Russian promotional company. Fightnews sat down with Felix to talk about his present situation and plans for the future.

Felix, you have said that you are splitting from German Titov. Why are you unsatisfied with your promoter?

I really believe that they have not lived up to their part of the bargain, both financially or by providing me with quality fights.

So, where do you stand right now?

My contract with Titov is up. I am a free agent and looking at various offers.

You were supposed to fight former world champion Yuri Nuzhenko at the beginning of the year. It would have been a big step for you. What happened there?

They could not secure the fight. It was very frustrating for me.I have fought once in six months. I should be fighting higher quality opposition and should have a regional belt around my waist. I am a former Olympic champion.

The US public doesn’t really know you. You have only fought twice in the United States. Where were your other fights?

I have been fighting in Europe, Russia and the Dominican Republic. I would really liked to have most of my fights in the United States from now on.

Let’s move to the past. Your Olympic gold medal was the culmination of an exceptional amateur career, right?

I would say so (smiles). I won 271 out of 298 fights; I was twice Central American and Caribbean Champion; I was a silver medalist at the Pan American Games; I was a two time Olympian and constantly in the top ten in world amateur rankings. Yes, I’m proud of my amateur career.

Yet, at one point, you were ready to give up on boxing?

Yes, being an amateur star didn’t actually help me feed my family. I just couldn’t pay the bills and I was ready to turn pro in 2006.I signed up a contract with promoter Jacques Deschamps and was ready to go pro. For reasons I will not go into, the deal did not come through. I was discouraged after that and decided to go to work to sustain my family. It was a moment in my life when I really believed I did not have a future in boxing.

Luckily, you did have a change of mind and represented the Dominican Republic in Beijing. The night before fighting for the gold medal, did you sleep well?

It may surprise you, but I slept like a baby (laughs)! I was a 100% sure I would win. Something inside of me just told me: you’ve gone so far, you’ve gone through so much. There is no way God is going to deny you this gold medal. Plus, I was fighting for my country. Stepping into that ring, I felt so invincible. Actually, the real pressure was in the semis, against the Frenchman. The night before, I couldn’t close an eye. Once I got through to the finals, I knew I couldn’t be denied. I knew I would win.

Is that one of your strength as a boxer, your determination, your self-confidence?

I’ve got speed, ring skills, experience (I’ve been boxing since age 10) but, yes, I think my best asset is to be able to rise up to the occasion. You may have a lot of natural talent but what you need the most is grit and mental strength. That is what makes a champion.

So, Felix, what is your next move?

I am evaluating my options along with my trainer, Pedro Diaz, and advisers. I have received offers. A decision will be taken very soon. I want to jump start my career in terms of the opposition I face, the opportunities and money. I am at the top of my ability as a boxer right now. I can’t let it slip by. It has to happen now.

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June 6th, 2011

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