By Jake Donovan
Unbeaten super featherweight prospect Joel Diaz Jr. gets the chance to maintain an active schedule in the early part of 2012, though his latest fight comes with a change of plans.
Diaz Jr. (8-0. 7KO) will next appear in the ring on April 28 in Chester, West Virginia, as he faces rugged veteran Yogli Herrera (22-14, 15KO) in an eight-round co-feature. The show is headlined by unbeaten Ohio-based lightweight Jake Giuriceo, who faces Juan Santiago in an eight-round bout.
Enjoying a breakthrough campaign in 2012 thus far, Diaz Jr. was originally slated to face Georgi Kevlishvili, who was forced to withdraw due to undisclosed personal issues.
The change in opponents if of no concern to Diaz Jr., whose primary goal is to continue to improve while gaining ring experience.
"I'm steadily working hard in the gym and I'm always ready to fight anyone, anywhere,” Diaz Jr states. “Opponents are always falling out of fights. That's why I live in the gym.”
Diaz Jr. first caught industry-wide attention with his off-the-canvas 7th round stoppage of Guy Robb this past January. The matchup of unbeaten California-based prospects saw both fighters hit the canvas in a non-stop thriller, with Diaz Jr. prevailing in the end.
As impressive was the win, it came against an opponent on a similar experience level, which has been the case for most of Diaz’ fights to date. Herrera might be in the midst of a lengthy losing streak, but most have come against some of the brightest young talent that the sport has to offer in and around the featherweight division.
“Herrera has a lot of fights so I know his experience will be a challenge,” Diaz Jr, believes. “Tough fights like these are only going to make me better. I believe in myself and my skills to come out on top. I'm on a mission to be the best and I'll be prepared for anything he brings to the ring."
Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com. Follow Jake on Twitter: @JakeNDaBox or submit questions/comments to JakeNDaBox@gmail.com