Mexico's Julio Diaz won the IBF interim lightweight title with a unanimous decision over Ricky Quiles in the main event of a pay-per-view called Tribal Pride, presented by Warrior's Boxing in association with Sycuan Promotions.
Diaz was in control throughout the bout at the Hard Rock Live Arena. He frustrated Quiles with repeated rights to the head.
Quiles' strategy of keeping his distance could not offset the busier Diaz. Quiles landed sporadic left leads but with minimal follow up punches.
Diaz (33-3) also scored with left hooks to the head and late in the fight he held off Quiles' attempt at a comeback with combinations to the body.
The judges scored it 120-108, 119-109 and 118-110.
There were no knockdowns.
"I'm very excited, I worked hard for this victory," Diaz said. "I like to be the fighter who fights with pain."
For Diaz, the victory began a second stint as IBF lightweight champion. He briefly held the title in 2004 before losing it to Jose Luis Castillo.
The IBF created an interim champion because current titleholder, Jesus Chavez, is sidelined because of an injury.
Quiles weighed the lightweight limit of 135 pounds, while Diaz weighed 134 pounds.
