Jojo Diaz Jr: I want to show more power

By Miguel Maravilla
Photo: Golden Boy Promotions

NABF Featherweight Champion Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. of South El Monte will put his title and his undefeated record on the line against Victor “Pitufo” Proa (28-1-2, 21 KOs) of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico this Saturday night at the Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino Events Center live on HBO Latino. We caught up with Diaz talk about his upcoming fight. As usual Diaz trained in his hometown of South El Monte for this camp at the Teamsters Gym with his father Joseph Diaz and longtime trainer Ben Lira.

“Camp is going good, we are just focusing now on making the weight,” Diaz told Fightnews.com®. “All the hard work has already been done now it’s just making the weight proper. I am ready to go.”

Proa, has over 30 fights and his only loss came at the hands of former world title contender Raul Martinez back in 2008. He is coming off a decision over Oswaldo Delgado in February.

“He’s a very strong fighter and powerful. He’s heavy handed but I’ll go in there and do what I do best and that’s come out victorious,” Diaz said.

Diaz is coming off the biggest win of his career over former world title challenger Jayson Velez of Puerto Rico in March in Oakland on the Andre Ward vs Sullivan Barrera card in his HBO Boxing debut to open the telecast.

“The Jayson Velez fight was a good fight. It was a stepping stone for me. It gave me that experience and that exposure to fight on HBO. I was glad to be given the opportunity. I took advantage and now it’s setting me up for bigger and better things,” Diaz said.

Having a win over former world title contenders and this being his third time on the HBO network which includes two fights on HBO Latino and this year’s debut on HBO Boxing, Diaz is about a fight or two from facing the top fighters in the division.

“I still need to stay active after this fight. I’m looking to fight one more time this year in September and hopefully in December,” Diaz said. “I feel I’m at the peaking point where I can break out. I know there are tough and great fights for me. This is the time to go out there and show everyone who I am and showcase all my skills so I can become the next big thing in boxing.”

Diaz vs. Proa will be a scheduled 10 round bout for Diaz’s NABF featherweight title as the 23-year-old Diaz looks to showcase his skills.

“This fight I want to show more power,” Diaz said. “Everybody tune into my fight. It will be a very tough fight but I need to showcase to everyone that I am the next big thing in my weight division so I can get a world title.