Juan Diaz Return in Play For 5/1, Cosmo in Las Vegas

By Ryan Burton

Juan Diaz (40-4) has advised  BoxingScene.com that there is a strong possibility that he he will return to the ring on May 1st at the Cosmopolitan Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Top Rank recently had their application for the date and venue approved by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

The fight, which takes place on the eve of the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao mega-fight, will possibly be for the 135 pound WBO title that became vacant when former champion Terence Crawford announced that he was moving up to the super lightweight division.

"I'm kind of in the dark as far as opponents. They just told me to get ready for May 1st. A while back they mentioned Diego Magdaleno then that kind of died out. Then I heard Anthony Crolla and then Takahiro Ao.

"The last conversation I had they weren't sure on the opponent or if the fight would be for a title shot," said Diaz.

The Houston, Texas based fighter and former four-time champion said that he is back in the gym and will be ready regardless of who the opponent is.

"I just started sparring. I'm sparring with southpaws just in case I fight a southpaw and if it's an orthodox opponent that won't be a problem either," Diaz told BoxingScene.com.

Diaz is 5-0 since returning from a nearly three year absence from the ring in April 2013.

It is unclear at this time what network will televise the card. Top Rank CEO Bob Arum recently announced that his company had secured new television deals but declined to name the networks.

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