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by David P. Greisman - Their nicknames belied the fact that they were grown men attempting to deprive each other of consciousness. Their surnames showed how much they had in common: Juan “The Baby Bull” Diaz and Julio “The Kidd” Diaz, two lightweight titlists who had turned professional in their teens, two aspiring champions who were willing to win by throwing 100 punches per round and taking more than a fraction in return.
“The Kidd” sat in the corner, never coming out for the ninth round. “The Baby Bull” had once again steered himself to victory.
Juan Diaz’s reign began in Arthurian fashion in July 2004 when he outpointed Lakva Sim to seize a 135-pound belt. Diaz was 20 years old, still essentially a prospect in a division ruled by the veteran trio of Joel Casamayor, Jose Luis Castillo and Diego Corrales. He had maturing to do before the kingdom could be his.
Each title defense added experience. Julien Lorcy, Billy Irwin, Jose Miguel Cotto, Randy Suico and Fernando Angulo. All went down over a two-year stretch. Diaz was confident. Diaz was capable. Diaz would need to be challenged. Acelino Freitas was a two-division titlist. He retired on his stool after round eight. Julio Diaz held a lightweight belt. He, too, lasted 24 minutes. [details]
“The Kidd” sat in the corner, never coming out for the ninth round. “The Baby Bull” had once again steered himself to victory.
Juan Diaz’s reign began in Arthurian fashion in July 2004 when he outpointed Lakva Sim to seize a 135-pound belt. Diaz was 20 years old, still essentially a prospect in a division ruled by the veteran trio of Joel Casamayor, Jose Luis Castillo and Diego Corrales. He had maturing to do before the kingdom could be his.
Each title defense added experience. Julien Lorcy, Billy Irwin, Jose Miguel Cotto, Randy Suico and Fernando Angulo. All went down over a two-year stretch. Diaz was confident. Diaz was capable. Diaz would need to be challenged. Acelino Freitas was a two-division titlist. He retired on his stool after round eight. Julio Diaz held a lightweight belt. He, too, lasted 24 minutes. [details]
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