Joseph Diaz: “I Think I’ll Stop Ryan (Garcia) In The Later Rounds”

By: Hans Themistode

After choosing up the most important win of his profession, a seventh-round stoppage in opposition to Luke Campbell earlier this 12 months, Ryan Garcia gave the impression to be on prime of the boxing world. The highly-rated light-weight contender had his choose of the litter when it comes to who he might face subsequent. But, with the California native pulling out his showdown in opposition to former a number of division champion, Javier Fortuna, resulting from psychological well being issues, Joseph Diaz stepped as much as the plate.

The previous 130-pound belt holder opted to maneuver up in weight to tackle his naturally greater opponent. With Diaz choosing up the win and with Garcia resume his coaching below the tutelage of coach Eddy Reynoso, a matchup between the 2 is at the moment being mentioned.

If, in truth, a matchup does materialize, Diaz is satisfied that his previous ring experiences will give him the sting.

“I’m going to take him to a spot he’s by no means been earlier than, bodily and mentally,” mentioned Diaz throughout an interview with ESPN. “Ryan Garcia, I really feel like he’s a really gifted fighter however he’s by no means been within the ring with the blokes I’ve been within the ring with: some warriors making an attempt to take your head off, not guys I’m going to placed on a spotlight reel.”

Whereas lots of boxing’s largest fights have been met with a number of promotional roadblocks, Diaz vs. Garcia figures to be simple to make. Each fighters are below the identical banner, Golden Boy Promotions.

Diaz, 28, seemingly has little interest in transferring again all the way down to 130 kilos. On multiple event, the stocky southpaw struggled on the scales. In his lone look at 135, he appeared highly effective for the load.

Whereas a deal is much away from being consummated, ought to it come to fruition, Diaz figures to be a major underdog. The quick and flashy Garcia has constructed an unimaginable fan base and has left most of his opponents comatose inside minutes.

Nonetheless, regardless of the spotlight reels, Diaz is unafraid of what Garcia brings to the desk. As a matter of truth, the California native not solely exudes an unimaginable quantity of hubris heading into their potential showdown however he’s additionally sure that he’ll get the job performed earlier than the ultimate bell.

“I believe I’ll cease Ryan within the later rounds. My stress and physique photographs might be an excessive amount of for him. He’ll be feeling my photographs and making an attempt to carry and hug however I believe my overwhelmingness might be one of many keys to victory.”