Comments Thread For: Matchmaker Robert Diaz details how to develop an inexperienced fighter into a world champion

[BoxingUpdates]

Robert Diaz has helped build many different prospects into contenders and champions. He speaks with BoxingScene about what makes a young fighter worthy of the prospect label.
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[SouthpawRight]

Floyd was buff he became a world champ in only 2 years and fought a southpaw in only his 2nd bout!

“In general, the American who turns pro at 18-20 years-old, still has that prospect growth,” Diaz told BoxingScene. “The first two or three years you get them from pro debut to around 15 fights, fights that they're supposed to win, and then they become a prospect from that third year to the fourth year. Then, hopefully, from the fourth to the fifth, they become a contender, where they are getting ready to fight for the world title.”

Those tests are the undercard preliminary bouts that have astute matchmakers carefully ramping up competition. Putting a fighter in with a southpaw, a power-puncher, a brilliant boxer, or against fighters who have lost a fight or two, but have some danger for the prospect or fringe contender.

[tommchris]

This builds their skills, confidence, Sprunki and experience against manageable opposition. Diaz emphasizes careful opponent selection to ensure growth without overwhelming the fighter early on.