Q&A: Juan Diaz!

September 30, 2004

By Christian Schmidt

One of boxing's hot up and coming champions Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz (25-0) looks to steal the show tonight on ESPN 2 against former world champion Julien Lorcy(56-3-2) at the SBC Center in San Antonio, TX. Diaz became the youngest world champion in boxing last July when, at the tender age of 20, he scored a convincing unanimous decision over Lakva Sim in front of his hometown of Houston, TX. Fightnews got a chance to catch up to Diaz, who turned 21 last month, at the weigh-in (which took place at Dave and Busters in San Antonio), to get his thoughts on his first world title defense.

First off Juan, what do you know about Julien Lorcy?
He is a two-time World Champion. He has a lot of experience. So I am going to have to fight a smart fight.

You looked very impressive in your world title win against Lavka Sim. You pressed him the whole time by throwing punch after punch. Are you looking to do the same with Lorcy?
Ya, I am going to use my jab, come in and pressure him. I am going to bring the fight to him.

Your trainer Ronnie Shields sure has been on a win streak as of recently, what does he do to make his fighter's successful?
We as fighters respect Ronnie very much because he is a great trainer and he was a great fighter. He does not play around, if you are not willing to work, he will not mess with you. If you are serious about fighting, he will take you serious.

Is there added pressure put on you being the youngest world champion in boxing and fighting in your own home state?
No pressure at all because I have been fighting under pressure all my career, yea Lorcy is trying to take my belt, but to me this is just another fight. I have to do what I know how to do, that is win.

How do you feel about the level of talent in your weight division right now?
I feel very good about the division I am in right now. Things are going to get really tough because we want to start unifying the belts. Some big decisions are going to be made in the future.

Do you plan on staying at 135 lbs?
Right now yes, but eventually moving up in weight.

Can I have a prediction?
I know Lorcy is going to be a tough fight. There is going to be a lot of punches thrown, and a lot of blood (smile). I am planning on getting a decision, but if a knockout comes before that, that is going to be even better.

Questions? Comments? Email Christian Schmidt