By Victor Salazar
New York - Felix Diaz (19-1, 9 KO’s) got the fight he wanted. For months the once-beaten boxer had been vocally campaigning for a fight with WBC, WBO junior welterweight world champion Terence Crawford.
Diaz's promoter Lou Dibella sent out press releases to the media, stating that his guy was available for Crawford when HBO had turned down other opponents.
But Diaz got what he wanted and this past Tuesday afternoon in New York City - the two fighters came face to face to promote their bout on May 20th in the big room of Madison Square Garden.
Diaz came close to defeating one of the best fighters in the junior welterweight division when he squared off with Lamont Peterson in 2015. Many felt Diaz did enough to win that fight. However, the 2008 Dominican Olympic gold medalist was handed the first defeat of his career with Peterson being awarded a twelve round majority decision.
While many observers may have viewed that loss as a step back, Diaz believes that fight gave him more opportunities.
“In reality, that decision gave me the chance to fight Sammy Vasquez,” Diaz told BoxingScene.com. “Me winning that fight with Sammy Vasquez got me this opportunity versus Terence Crawford. So in reality that decision [with Peterson] gave me more opportunities.”
Top Rank is using that MSG showcase to further the presence of Crawford (30-0 21 KO’s) as a must-see attraction in New York. Top Rank had brought Crawford to New York in the past and they were successful in selling out The Theatre at Madison Square Garden.
Although he's clearly the B-side of the promotion, Diaz expects a lot of Dominicans in New York will come to MSG to support him in his world title bid.
“I think the Dominicans will come out,” Diaz stated. “We’re coming for a title not only for myself but for my country on May 20th.”
Diaz feels that his constant verbal shots on social media was the primary reason he secured the fight with Crawford.
“I think I influenced him to take the fight. This is boxing, nobody likes to be called a coward or be called something like that. I think that changed his mind. On that night, the focus is to win and we are going to win," Diaz said.