Joseph Diaz Inching Closer To a World Title Shot

By Steve Kim

Tonight from the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California, undefeated Joseph Diaz(18-0, 10 KO's) faces Hugo Partida for the vacant NABF featherweight title. It's been a productive 2015 for the 2012 U.S. Olympian who in his last two outings has gone the ten round distance against veterans Ruben Tamayo and Rene Alvarado.

At some point in 2016, Golden Boy Promotions believes that Diaz will be ready to challenge for a world title.

"I think Joel is very close to a title shot. He's been brought up quickly with competitive fights that have given him the rounds of experience, the confidence," said Rober Diaz, matchmaker for GBP.

"The talents there, it just needed to evolve and I think it's there. I think before the end of next year he could be fighting for a world title and winning a world title."

It wont be an easy task given that the likes of Vasyl Lomachenko(WBO), Gary Russell Jr(WBC), Lee Selby(IBF) and Leo Santa Cruz(WBA) are the current belt-holders at 126 pounds.