By Joe Harrison, at ringside

Chicago native David Diaz (31-1-1, 16 KOs) defeated Cristian Favella (11-11-4, 8 KOs) by a unanimous decision to win the vacant IBA lightweight title on Friday night’s “Destiny” card at Cicero Stadium in Cicero IL, just outside of Chicago.

In what started out as a tactical fight, the action picked up as Diaz was able to connect with his jab and frustrate Favella. Eventually, Favella connected with punches of his own and gave Diaz more than he bargained for, since Favella was a late substitution for Efren Hinojosa (29-2-1, 17 KOs). The action never stopped increasing as both fighters continued to swing away round after round.

It was a brutal war as both warriors’ faces were battered and beaten; they fought hard all the way until the final bell. Although both fighters had their moments, Diaz seemed to have the edge throughout the battle. In the end, scores were 119-109, 116-112, and 120-108, all for Diaz.

After the fight, I was able to get together with Diaz and ask him a few questions.

BoxingScene.com – That was a brutal war, David. Was Favella as tough as you thought he would be?

David Diaz – Well, we were scheduled to fight Hinojosa. We had a tape on Hinojosa from when he fought Favella, and they fought to a draw. We knew that Favella was a guy who liked to fight inside and was straight forward. So our way was boxing, banging a little bit, make a good fight here and there, and I think I did that, I did that through all the rounds. Maybe he got me, beat me like about two or three rounds I give him. But other than that, I think I did a pretty good job.

BoxingScene.com – Did he ever hurt you during the fight?

David Diaz – Oh no, not at all. He didn’t hurt me at all, but he did catch with some good shots. I was never dazed or anything like that, they just seemed pretty tough. They never hurt me.

BoxingScene.com – So what’s next for you now that you’re the IBA champion?

David Diaz – Well, I don’t know. We’ll have to wait and see what happens. If I have to defend it, then I’ll defend it. Or else I’ll go after another belt, or get a fight with someone ranked in the top ten in the world in other sanctioning bodies and hopefully become champion there. I’ll have train harder to achieve that.  

BoxingScene.com – If it were totally up to you, who would you like to get in the ring with? Who do you want to fight?

David Diaz – It doesn’t matter. I mean, I’m a guy who fights who ever is put in front of me. If they say I got to go fight him, I say okay. That’s it, whether it be Diego Corrales, or Juan Diaz, or Julio Diaz, or who ever, I’m willing to take that step.

BoxingScene.com – In your opinion, who do you think is the top lightweight today?

David Diaz – Definitely Diego Corrales. I think his reach and his power sets him above everybody else. For some time, I thought it was Jose Luis Castillo, but he can’t make weight anymore. So I think Corrales is up there, one of the top lightweights in the world.

In closing, I want to thank God, and thank everybody here in Chicago for their support. I’d especially like to thank my father and my family. 

In a packed locker room, filled with family and friends, Diaz seemed very upbeat and pleased with his victory. He had just taken part in a brutal war which lasted twelve rounds, but he had the heart and talent to earn the victory. I certainly wish him the best as he continues to climb the rankings and achieve his goals.

(Special thanks to Oscar Lopez for setting up this interview)