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By Cliff Rold - All of the talk going in focused on undefeated Lightweight Juan Diaz. Nate Campbell changed the conversation in thrilling fashion on Saturday night at the Plaza de Toros in Cancun, Mexico.
Over twelve grueling rounds, the 35-year old Campbell (32-5-1, 25 KO) of Tampa, Florida wore down the 24-year old Diaz (33-1, 17 KO) of Houston, Texas to capture the WBA, WBO and IBF 135 lb. belts. Campbell also stamped himself the number one threat to the winner of the March 22nd showdown for the World Lightweight championship between champion Joel Casamayor (35-3-1, 21 KO) and contender Michael Katsidis (23-0, 20 KO).
Campbell lost a competitive decision to Casamayor in 2003 and based on recent showings would have to be heavily favored in any rematch.
The bout began even before the opening bell with Campbell taunting Diaz at mid-ring while the referee levied his instructions. He carried that intensity into the fights first moments, charging forward at the opening bell and launching an assault on Diaz’s body. Diaz fired back and the war was on. Both men traded phone-booth style throughout what appeared an even first round.
In the second, Campbell maintained his effort to match the sort of frenetic pace that Diaz has become famous for. He landed hard right hands while Diaz fired back with short hooks and uppercuts. At one point, Diaz would drive Campbell into the ropes, firing in combination to seal the round. That effort led Campbell to change tactics a bit in the third, backing off just slightly and looking for spots to counter. As the round wore on, they returned to heavy trading; two long lefts by Diaz...two rights by Cambell...then a Campbell left...two clean hooks from Diaz...Campbell firing back as Diaz slipped.
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Over twelve grueling rounds, the 35-year old Campbell (32-5-1, 25 KO) of Tampa, Florida wore down the 24-year old Diaz (33-1, 17 KO) of Houston, Texas to capture the WBA, WBO and IBF 135 lb. belts. Campbell also stamped himself the number one threat to the winner of the March 22nd showdown for the World Lightweight championship between champion Joel Casamayor (35-3-1, 21 KO) and contender Michael Katsidis (23-0, 20 KO).
Campbell lost a competitive decision to Casamayor in 2003 and based on recent showings would have to be heavily favored in any rematch.
The bout began even before the opening bell with Campbell taunting Diaz at mid-ring while the referee levied his instructions. He carried that intensity into the fights first moments, charging forward at the opening bell and launching an assault on Diaz’s body. Diaz fired back and the war was on. Both men traded phone-booth style throughout what appeared an even first round.
In the second, Campbell maintained his effort to match the sort of frenetic pace that Diaz has become famous for. He landed hard right hands while Diaz fired back with short hooks and uppercuts. At one point, Diaz would drive Campbell into the ropes, firing in combination to seal the round. That effort led Campbell to change tactics a bit in the third, backing off just slightly and looking for spots to counter. As the round wore on, they returned to heavy trading; two long lefts by Diaz...two rights by Cambell...then a Campbell left...two clean hooks from Diaz...Campbell firing back as Diaz slipped.
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