Hogan Photos/Golden Boy Promotions
With everyone talking about the mega all-Mexican bout between Canelo Alvarez and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., it’s easy to overlook a more than adequate undercard.
The May 6 card includes hard-hitting French-Canadian Middleweight, David Lemieux, and the long awaited return of “The Machine,” Lucas Matthysse. With fight night looming only days away, a fight that may be overlooked on paper, could possibly steal the show on Cinco de Mayo weekend.
Golden Boy Promotions has paired up two of their top prospects in Manuel “Tino” Avila (22-0, 8 KOs) and Joseph “JoJo” Diaz (23-0, 13 KOs). Both fighters have similar records and everything to prove. A win for either man could set up title shot opportunities as early as this year.
Avila, the northern California native, makes his HBO Pay-Per-View debut and his excitement is palpable.
“I’m excited for this opportunity. We get to open the PPV telecast and we may steal the show,” said Avila.
Avila spoke on how he received the news that he would be featured on arguably one of the most anticipated cards of the year.
“My dad gave me the news and once I heard the name JoJo and Canelo undercard, I said I don’t even want to hear the other options,” said Avila.
Avila’s opponent, JoJo Diaz, may have a similar record on paper, but also holds an impressive amateur background with Olympic experience as well.
None of which worries Avila.
“I know he’s experienced, but I wanted this challenge,” said Avila. “I think we’re both going to bring it!”
Diaz currently holds the NABF Featherweight title, which will be on the line on May 6. Avila and Diaz both share crowd-pleasing styles and will look to steal the show in order to catapult themselves into the next phase of their young careers, especially with a title shot looming on the horizon.
