Diaz-Katsidis presser!

July 10, 2008

By Byron Spurlock

Photo: Byron Spurlock

"My titles have been taken hostage and it's my duty to gain them back," says former unified lightweight champion Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz, "this is the first step there!"

It was standing room only for the local media who attended the press fight conference Wednesday at Dave and Busters in Houston where local favorites Diaz and Rocky Juarez will square off in separate bouts September 6th at the Toyota Center.

The HBO-televised card headlines Diaz (33-1, 17 KOs) against Michael Katsidis (23-1, 20 KOs). The co-main event features2000 Olympic silver medalist Rocky Juarez (27-4, 19 KOs) who takes on former WBO super featherweight champion Jorge Barrios (47-3, 37 KOs) in a ten round bout.

This will be Diaz' first fight in his hometown of Houston since 2005, when he won a TKO over Billy Irwin. He lost his IBF, WBA, and WBO lightweight titles in a split decision against Nate Campbell in March of this year.

"HBO's Boxing After Dark series made its name on fights like Diaz-Katsidis," said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "Marco Antonio Barrera-Kennedy McKinney and Arturo Gatti-Wilson Rodriguez were just two of the spectacular wars that aired on the series and I have no doubt that Diaz-Katsidis will join those classics in the hearts of fans around the world."

Golden Boy COO David Itskowitch was on hand to introduce the main event fighters. Even with the fight almost two months away, both fighters Diaz and Katsidis looked to be in great shape at the press conference.

Photo: Byron Spurlock

"I'm glad to be a part of the Golden Boy team," said Diaz. "This is going to be a great fight because we are both warriors. We both come straight forward and we don't like to give into the other fighter. I know this is going to be great fight.....I can't wait to step foot back into the ring here in my hometown of Houston, the fans and media have shown me great support. It's sort of ironic that I come back to fight in Houston without my titles. I never got the chance to defend my titles here; but I'm hungry to win my titles back. I feel that they have been taken hostage from me."

Photo: Byron Spurlock

Katsidis stated, "We got into town last night. Texas is a nice place. I can't wait for the fight for we are ready. What we have here is two hungry fighters that both want to win and are ready.....It’s going to be an explosive fight all right, but I’m bringing the dynamite."

Both co-main event fighters Juarez and Barrios are expected to bring a strong effort as both need a win on the big stage at Toyota Center in Houston and in front of a national TV audience.

Photo: Byron Spurlock

"I’m excited that this fight is finally going to happen and in my hometown," said Juarez. "I’ve been waiting for Barrios for a long time so I know he is a dangerous and experienced fighter, but I also know I’ll be prepared to stop him in front of all my Houston fans on September 6th."

Barrios did not attend the press fight conference, opting not to break camp as he prepares for this upcoming fight.

Photo: Byron Spurlock

In preparation, both Diaz and Juarez have been working with world class trainer Ronnie Shields. "I too have to echo the sentiments that this will be a great fight," commented Shields. "With Rocky and Juan being on the same card here in Houston, this is going to be an electric night in Houston. If you are not a boxing fan, and if you have never been to a fight before, this is the fight that you should come and see."

Also on the undercard are two top Houston prospects who were both national amateur champions: lightweight Hylon Williams (2-0) and welterweight Jermell Charlo (3-0).

Tickets for Diaz vs. Katsidis and Juarez vs. Barrios, priced at $200, $100, $60, $40 and $25, go on sale today.