Former junior lightweight titleholder Joseph Diaz Jnr has had some great memories challenging the best in the world.
Diaz Jnr, who held the IBF 130lbs title for a little over a year in 2020-2021, ended a three-fight losing streak earlier this month after winning a unanimous decision over eight rounds with Jorge Luis Valencia Diaz in Tijuana, Mexico.
The 32-year-old Diaz Jnr, 33-7-1 (15 KOs), who is originally from El Monte, California, spent his training camp alongside former titleholder Paulie Ayala in Texas and. Before he entered the ring against Diaz, BoxingScene asked him about what was then his 40-fight career.
BoxingScene: What was the toughest fight you had as a professional?
Joseph Diaz Jnr: Probably William Zepeda. He threw a lot of punches, and at that time [in 2022] I was still partying and drinking, so that fight was a lot more difficult. It was a harder fight than I expected, because of my preparation. He was a tough fight because of the volume he brought in that fight.
BS: Who’s the best you’ve sparred?
Diaz: Shakur Stevenson. I sparred with him back in 2017, 2018, and he was a very slick, crafty fighter. His distance control combined with him making you not want to throw punches [is what makes him the best] because when you throw a punch, he is attacking and dictating the pace. He is hard to figure out because of his stance and how long he is. He is an awkward, good fighter.
BS: Who had the fastest hands?
Diaz: Gary Russell Jnr. His hand speed was incredible. I thought I had that fight, too. I look back on that fight [in 2018], and I look back at the Devin Haney fight [in 2021]. If I had been just a little more aggressive and opened up a little more, I could have had both of those fights. I don’t regret anything. Everything happens for a reason, and I am the person I am today because of those fights and everything that happened in my life. I am grateful for everything that happened in my life, all the ups and downs.
BS: Who is the biggest puncher you faced?
Diaz: Oscar Duarte [in 2024]. Every time he punched, it was like electricity; like electric punches. He was a big fighter and a strong fighter.
BS: Who was the greatest fighter you saw who didn’t have the success you expected?
Diaz: Frankie Gomez. He could have been a world champion. He is a really good fighter, but he just let the demons and temptations get the best of him. I hope that he is okay and doing good now. I wish him all the best.
Lucas Ketelle is the author of “Inside the Ropes of Boxing,” a guide for young fighters, a writer for BoxingScene and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Find him on X at @BigDogLukie.
