By Francisco Salazar

The transition from prospect to contender could be daunting for an unbeaten prospect.

Some transition extremely well, eventually becoming a world title holder. Some are not cut out for it and end up becoming a ‘What if’ amongst boxing circles.

A few of today’s prospects have done very well over the last year or two. One of those fighters is Joseph Diaz, Jr., who has improved a lot and seems like he has not yet even hit his ceiling as a fighter.

He will fight for his first title as a pro tonight, when he faces Hugo Partida at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. The 10 round bout will top a Golden Boy Promotions card and will be broadcast live on Estrella TV, beginning at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT.

Diaz (18-0, 10 KOs) is coming off a one-sided 10 round decision win over former world title contender Ruben Tamayo on October 23, also in Indio. He has won his last three fights in a row by decision over solid opposition, including Rene Alvarado.

He faces Partida, a rugged fighter from Mexico City who has decent punching power. Partida has lost his last two bouts in a row and Diaz believes he will be too much for the 27-year-old.

“Since he’s from Mexico City, I know that he has the elevation factor in his favor, “Diaz told BoxingScene.com in a recent phone interview. “He’s a durable guy who is aggressive and counters on the inside.”

“I intend to utilize my height and reach. I’ll box more from the outside, but I intend to break him down in the middle rounds, and hope to stop him in the later rounds.”

If Diaz sounds a little brash, it is because he is confident in his ability as a fighter. He understands that he still has to improve in many facets of the game.

Diaz believes he is transitioning from prospect to contender very effectively. While no fighter is perfect, he is always in the gym to round out his game as best he can.

“I always want to keep improving,” said Diaz, who grew up in the Los Angeles suburb of South El Monte. “I’m still learning and I’m still working. I’m a gym rat. I strive to get better and to try and perfect my craft.”

“I believe that I was a prospect and I think I should be a contender now. I’ve fought good fighters with a lot of experience and I’ve overcome the skills they have. I want to fight the tougher opponents and bigger contenders so that I could fight for a world title late next year.”

Diaz could indeed get to that goal, so long as he continues down that same path that he and Oscar De La Hoya, his promoter, have set for him.

“I get great advice from Oscar. Every time he sees me, he reminds me to stay disciplined and to always listen to my team. He has the best interests for me and all the things he and the people around me doing will benefit me in the long run.” 

Diaz looks to close out 2015 and become a champion. Both Diaz and Partida are fighting for the vacant NABF title, which matters a great deal to Diaz.

A win will earn Diaz the belt and a world ranking by the WBC.

“Closing out the year fighting for the NABF title is great. I worked hard for this fight and to win this title.”

“I sacrificed (not eating on) Thanksgiving to enjoy Christmas and New Year’s with a win (tonight).”
 
Francisco A. Salazar has written for Boxingscene.com since September of 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (CA) Star newspaper, RingTV, and Knockout Nation. He can be reached at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing