By Ryan Burton
Super featherweight contender Diego Magdaleno has advised BoxingScene.com that he has hired world class trainer Joel Diaz to be his trainer. Magdaleno recently parted ways with his long time trainer and manager Pat Barry and hired influential manager Frank Espinoza whose deep stable of fighters includes Abner Mares and Daniel Ponce De Leon.
With Diaz on board, Magdaleno's new team is complete. The 26-year-old southpaw said he will soon be relocating to Indio, California where Diaz is based.
He had his first training session with Diaz today. Diaz's brother Julio, who once held the IBF lightweight title, also gave Magdaleno pointers during his workout.
"Wow! What a great feeling it is to be apart of such a motivated team like the Diaz brothers. Today's workout was a success. Great chemistry from the beginning. The corrections, the adjustments that were made in such a short time gives me so much faith in these guys. Now my journey continues on a new level," Magdaleno told BoxingScene.com.
Diaz's growing stable of fighters includes undefeated WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley, upcoming lightweight prospect Omar Figueroa in addition to his brother Julio. Magdaleno feels that Diaz's big fight experience is exactly what he needs to get to the next level.
"A world class coach is what I've needed for world title fights. I'm at this level and I need Joel's experience behind me to guide me towards that direction I'll take care of the rest. I give Frank Espinoza and his son all the credit for this. We talked about which coaches out there would be a good fit for me and my style. Team Diaz was a perfect match," Magdaleno stated.
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