By Ryan Burton

Former lightweight champion David Diaz (34-2) steps back into the ring Saturday for the first time since being TKO'd by Manny Pacquiao last June.  Diaz, before a hometown crowd in Chicago, faces another former champion, Jesus Chavez. See what the former champ had to say about this upcoming fight and how he can look back favorably on his fight with Pacquiao - after Pacquiao's recent demolishings of Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton.

 

BoxingScene.com  How did training go for your upcoming fight with Jesus Chavez?

 

David Diaz:  Its been going great.  We had a good camp.  We are getting in the best shape we possibly can for this fight.  I think the best conditioned fighter is going to win this fight.

 

BoxingScene.com  Are you worried about ring rust being that you haven't fought for 15 months?

 

David Diaz:  Well not really.  You know I guess with everything I am just used to it.  It is going to come back to me.  I know it will.  I don't even think about that.

 

BoxingScene.com  Besides the conditioning what else do you think will be the key to the fight?

 

David Diaz:  Definitely my assertiveness and aggression.  I need to make him go backwards.  I think that the key is going to be pressuring him to fight.

 

BoxingScene.com  When I spoke to Jesus a few days ago he said that he views this fight a make or break fight for both of you.  He is older than you so I can see where he is coming from.  Do you feel the same way that its make or break for you as well?

 

David Diaz:  He is older.  In a sense yeah I do view it that way.  For me I think its a fight for me to get back in it.   I know Jesus is a tough fighter.  If I can get a win over him then great.  If I can't then we just have to pick up the pieces and start all over again.  I still think that I have two or three years left in me to do competitive fighting so I hope this won't be my last fight but we just have to take it one fight at a time now.

 

BoxingScene.com  If you get past Jesus Chavez as you expect, where do you want to go from there?

 

David Diaz:  I definitely want to be champion again.  It was a nice feeling and hopefully God willing we can do that. 

 

BoxingScene.com  What time of crowd do you expect being the fight is in your hometown of Chicago?

 

David Diaz:  I honestly think its going to be a divided crowd again like when I fought Erik Morales.  I think there is going to be a lot of people going for him and for myself as well.  I think it is going to be a fun night overall. 

 

BoxingScene.com  Assuming you stay injury free is the plan to be more active next year?

 

David Diaz:  Yes definitely.  I want to get in at least three or four fights next year.

 

BoxingScene.com  After watching Pacquiao's fights versus Oscar and Hatton and the way they were destroyed by him do you think that has helped your stock rise since you gave him a tougher fight than they did?  You were his toughest fight out of his last three.

David Diaz:  I hope it did raise my stock.  When you look into it and see it the way you just mentioned it I really hope so but you know it all depends on the outcome of this fight.  I need to win this fight.

 

BoxingScene.com  Who do you like in the Pacquiao vs Cotto fight?

 

David Diaz:  Like I said before I always pick the wrong fighter (laughing).  The last time I picked De la Hoya over Pacquiao.  This time I am just going with Pacquiao. 

 

BoxingScene.com  How about Arreola vs. Klitschko?

 

David Diaz:  Oooh that is going to be a very interesting fight.  I am going with the Mexican right there just to get on his good side.  If he wins he is going to be the first Mexican ever to win a heavyweight title. 

 

BoxingScene.com  Do you have a message for the fans?

 

David Diaz:  Thanks for being patient.  It has been a fifteen month layoff but we are going to get back to work and God willing fight for a championship belt next year.  This is the first step in that direction.  Thanks for the support.

 

BoxingScene.com  Good luck in the fight tomorrow.

 

David Diaz:  Thanks Ryan and thanks Boxingscene.