Juan Diaz: If I Beat Marquez, No Amir Khan Fight at 140

By Ryan Burton

 

Former three time lightweight champion Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz (35-3) speaks to BoxingScene.com about his training regimen for his upcoming rematch of The Ring's 2009 Fight of the Year.  Diaz talks about some of the changes in strategy he is planning on making for this fight, his post boxing career and more in this exclusive interview.

 

BoxingScene.com:  How is training going for your rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez?

 

Juan Diaz:  Training is going real good.  I am feeling great.  I have a positive mind set because the training is going so well.

 

BoxingScene.com:  I was talking to your brother Jose yesterday and he told me that you have given up your cell phone for this training camp.  He said that you are trying to eliminate all distractions.  It sounds like you are even more dedicated and serious about this fight that you normally are which says a lot.

 

Juan Diaz:  Yeah I am.  I am willing to do whatever it takes to get the victory, man.  I told my trainers that I am willing to do whatever it takes.  I will do whatever they say in order to be successfull for this fight.  I don't want any outside distractions or anything that will take me out of my mentality right now which is to go in and beat Marquez.

 

BoxingScene.com:  Without giving away too much of your game plan can you tell us some of the adjustments you are making for the rematch?

 

Juan Diaz:  I am definitely going to be a lot smarter than I was last time around.  Last time around I was a straight forward pressure guy and I didn't pay attention.  I let my hands down and I was squaring up.  I am going to apply the same amount of pressure but smart pressure this time around.  I am not going to go in there and fight like an amateur.

 

BoxingScene.com:  There has been a lot of talk about Juan Manuel Marquez fighting Amir Khan after this fight.  They are talking like it is inevitable that Marquez will win the fight.  Do you feel disrespected when you hear those comments?

 

Juan Diaz:  No not at all.  I am actually glad to hear those comments because in his (Marquez) mind he has already won the fight.  I like it when people are over confident and I like it when they talk like that.  The thing I love the most is that I am going to shut up those fans saying that.  I love when people say I can't achieve something.  It motivates me.

 

BoxingScene.com:  If you come out with the win like you plan do you want a shot at Amir Khan?

 

Juan Diaz:  I want to stay at 135.  I already went to 140 pounds and that is not my weight.  135 is where I want to stay.  I am willing to fight anybody that comes to the lightweight division.  After Marquez I think I will be ready for anybody in the lightweight division.  Whoever wants to meet me in the ring I will do it but at the lightweight division and not higher.

 

BoxingScene.com:  You and Marquez' first fight won the Ring Fight of the Year and I am sure you guys plan on putting on another great show on the 31st.  What do you think are the chances we see a trilogy?

 

Juan Diaz:  I think the chances are really good but we need to sit back and see how this fight turns out.  It all depends on what happens on July 31st.

 

BoxingScene.com:  The last time we talked was on May 1st at the press conference announcing this fight.  You talked about taking your LSAT test in June to get into law school.  How did that go?

 

Juan Diaz:  I didn't take it.  I did some course work but I didn't feel comfortable with the scores I had on the practice test.  The LSAT and me being a lawyer is what I am going to do for the rest of my life after boxing.  I am taking it seriously and I didn't score the score that I wanted (on the practice test) and I want to make sure that I do it right because it is going to be the career that I pursue after boxing so I am going to take my time and do it slow.

 

BoxingScene.com:  Do you think it would be better to wait for an opportunity to take an extended amount of time away from the ring or maybe wait till after your boxing career is over?

 

Juan Diaz:  Yeah I definitely think so.  I take a fight at a time and after this fight I am not sure what the plans are going to be.  I might have a little bit of time that I can use to study.

 

BoxingScene.com:  Do you have a message for the fans?

 

Juan Diaz:  I want to thank them for their continued support.  I know it has been a roller coaster ride with me in my career.  It has been up and down with me winning some and losing some.  I want to let them know that the Baby Bull is back this year and better and stronger than ever.  I will show them that and make them pround on July 31st.