Iran Diaz Is Motivated To Leave Bangkok With The World Title

Iran “MagnifiKO” Diaz (14-2-3) is within touching distance of the WBC Super Flyweight World Title.

The Mexican will challenge reigning champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (46-4-1) for the prestigious belt at ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES, which takes place in Bangkok, Thailand on Saturday, 6 October.

Should he defeat the Thai superstar, he can finally fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a boxing world champion.

After being born and raised in one of the world’s most violent cities, boxing has changed Diaz’s life for the better. Now, he is hungry to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

The 28-year-old from Sonora, Mexico is enjoying a fine run of form. He has defeated a pair of former world champions during his four-bout undefeated streak – former WBA Super Flyweight Champion Luis Concepción and former WBA Flyweight Champion Hernán Márquez.

Despite his lack of experience compared to Srisaket and those elite opponents, he has shown an uncanny ability to overcome the odds with his skills.

“MagnifiKO” is leaving no stone unturned in preparation of his upcoming main-event clash in Thailand. He even moved away from his family to a training camp in Mexico City, and enlisted the legendary Juan Manuel Marquez as an advisor.

Diaz has gone to these great lengths to give himself the best chance of leaving the Impact Arena with the belt wrapped around his waist, which would be the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice.

“From the first day I stepped into the gym with [coach] Chino Barrón, I said, ‘I’m going to be World Champion,’” he reveals. “From that moment, that was my mentality.”

Many young kids have the same dream, but Diaz – the WBC Latino Super Flyweight Champion – believes he has one trait that has set him apart from the rest.

“The truth is that there are many boxers, but I don’t think they are as disciplined as me,” he says.

“I am 100 percent devoted to my discipline, my work, and my desire. I have a dream, and I’m going to work for it. I will do the impossible to be World Champion.”

A goal – especially one as ambitious as this – is merely a fantasy without the accompanying effort. The intense training sessions, the injuries, and the sacrifices of a professional athlete are not for everyone.

The Mexican admits there has been pain, anger, and exhaustion along the way, but that is par for the course on such a hard road to the top, and his love for his family ensures his commitment has never faltered.

“My family is the most important thing. The support of my family, my wife, and my son – it motivates me every day,” he explains.

“There are times when you get up without wanting to run or to train, but I have to draw [upon my inner] strength because there are people who believe in me. They force me to get up, and get more excited every day.”

Diaz will also proudly fly his Mexican flag as he enters the ring in front of a pro-Srisaket crowd in Thailand.

The reigning titleholder is idolized in his homeland, and there will be thousands in attendance in his adopted hometown of Bangkok screaming his name.

However, “MagnifiKO” has the strength of Mexico pulsing through his veins. The North American country has a rich history of champions in the sweet science, as well as a never-say-die attitude.

The challenger has contested all but one of his matches in his native land, so this is a rare chance for him to represent his nation on a global platform.

“I believe that it is the greatest pride to represent my country – for me and my family, and my friends,” he continues.

“A boy representing Mexico is great for all of us [across the country].”

Srisaket will come armed with his own motivations and the courage of a champion defending his crown in front of his own people, but you would be hard pressed to find a hungrier challenger.

The WBC Super Flyweight World Title would mean everything to Diaz and those around him. It will certainly be a classic encounter given what’s at stake, but more than anything, “MagnifiKO” wants to head home as World Champion.

“It’s going to be a very exciting fight because he has the belt that I want,” Diaz states.

“I’m going with all the desire to get it, whatever the cost. The most important thing for me is to bring it home, for all my team and for all of Mexico.”