Former IBF Super Featherweight champion, Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. (32-1-1, 15 KOs) was back in action last Friday against Javier Fortuna (36-3-1, 25 KO’s) on the Zurdo Ramirez vs. Javier Fortuna undercard.
Diaz Jr. promised a great performance, and he delivered.
JoJo had one of the most impressive performances of his career in his debut at Lightweight. Diaz Jr. beat Fortuna by unanimous decision, in what was a very entertaining fight.
Scores were 117-110, 116-111 and 115-112.
Diaz Jr. is now the WBC interim Lightweight titleholder, and he became Devin Haney’s mandatory opponent.
Three things we learned from the Diaz Jr. vs. Fortuna showdown are:
- Diaz is a problem for anyone in the Lightweight division
- Joseph Diaz Jr. is willing to fight the top guys at 135 pounds
- Diaz Jr.’s boxing future looks bright
1: DIAZ IS A PROBLEM FOR ANYONE IN THE LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION
Joseph Diaz Jr. looked conformable and strong at 135 pounds. He was able to absorb heavy shots from Javier Fortuna and he also hurt Fortuna various times.
Diaz Jr. was close to finishing Fortuna toward the end of the 10th round with some brutal exchanges on the inside.
Furthermore, JoJo’s cardio looked on point, so it looks like he doesn’t have any problems carrying the weight. It looks like Diaz will stay in the Lightweight division, which looks to be a wise decision for his wallet and his career.
After Friday’s performance, it’s clear that the 28-year-old southpaw will be a problem for anyone in the Lightweight division.
2: JOSEPH DIAZ JR. IS WILLING TO FIGHT THE TOP GUYS AT 135 POUNDS
After the fight, Joseph Diaz Jr. was asked about his future in the Lightweight division, and he answered without hesitation. “I can fight all the top guys at 135 pounds,” said Diaz Jr.
JoJo called followed that up by calling out two of the biggest names in the division. “We want Ryan Garcia or Devin Haney,” said Diaz Jr. “Let’s make this s*** happen.”
3: THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR JOSEPH DIAZ JR.
We have seen other boxers calling out big names during their post-fight interviews, but the good news is that those two possible fights are very doable for Diaz Jr. because both Haney and Garcia fight on DAZN, just like Diaz Jr.
While Eddie Hearn made it clear recently that Haney has “no contractual paperwork with DAZN,” (via ThaBoxingVoice) he also said the WBC titleholder is happy to fight on the platform.
On the other hand, the Garcia fight will probably be more lucrative, and it’s also a very easy fight to make considering that they’re both being promoted by Golden Boy. So, that will be a big “in-house” fight for Oscar De La Hoya and company.
It will also be wise for Garcia to take that fight considering he’s eyeing a possible super-fight with Gervonta Davis. Fighting Diaz Jr. could also be attractive to Garcia because he’s a southpaw like Davis.
