By Mark Vester
After years of on-and-off negotiations, Julio Diaz (33-3, 24 KOs) finally came to an agreement to face WBO lightweight champion Acelino Freitas in November, in Brazil.
Late Tuesday in Brazil, Freitas made a shock announcement that he was going to retire in order to focus on other ventures, such as promoting boxing events. Once the news hit Diaz, he saw his dream fight go up on smoke.
Diaz told The Desert Sun, that he was upset when he heard that Freitas called it quits.
"I wanted that credit. I knew I could knock out Freitas," Diaz said. "I want to get that recognition. You start wondering 'Am I ever going to have a chance to prove myself.'"
Now that Freitas is history, Diaz has already begun negotiations with IBF lightweight champion Jesus Chavez, for November 25 in McAllen, Texas.