"I've been talking with my manager about it and we're not too far. They've been putting me in with guys who've had a lot of fights and a lot of rounds. In my state, I don't think we're too far from a title shot; probably a couple more fights. Hopefully everything works out for my promoter and everyone behind us where we can go for this," stated fast-rising undefeated super featherweight Joel Diaz Jr., who talked about his upcoming return to the ring this Saturday to face Guillermo Sanchez. Check it out!
MJ: How's it going today, Joel?
JD: Pretty good.
MJ: Tell us about your upcoming fight.
JD: We have a fight this weekend on August 18 in Atlantic City against Guillermo Sanchez of Puerto Rico.
MJ: You've been on a knockout streak of late. Tell us about it.
JD: They've just been putting people in front of me and they've been going down. I've been doing my job; doing what I do best.
MJ: Do you fashion yourself more as a boxer or a puncher?
JD: I'm more focused on the boxing part of it, but if the punch comes, I can be the puncher. We have ten long rounds, so we want to take our time and see whatever comes with this guy.
MJ: How do you like training now in Big Bear?
JD: It's really good. I've been up here since February 2 and it's great. I'm working with my new trainer, Abel Sanchez. It's all great: the sparring, the running. The altitude will get you in shape; it's perfect. It's where I want to stay.
MJ: Have there been any big names you've sparred against?
JD: I sparred with Daniel Ponce de Leon today. I'm fighting a southpaw and Ponce de Leon has his camp here, so my trainer arranged that we could move with them. It's been great. I'm glad his team could help me prepare for this fight.
MJ: Were you doing some training at Wild Card before that?
JD: I was up at Wild Card for about a year and a half. Everybody you could possibly think of stopped by there, from actresses to waitresses to pros and MMA fighters, since it's the gym where Pacquiao trains. You see a lot of famous faces.
MJ: Whom have you sparred with over there?
JD: I've sparred with Paulie Malignaggi, Alejandro Perez, and others. The list could go on. It was a good environment.
MJ: What's your plan over the next year or so, moving up the ranks?
JD: Fighting the best in my division, being the best, and going for my goals; becoming a champion.
MJ: How far off do you think you are from getting your first title shot?
JD: I've been talking with my manager about it and we're not too far. They've been putting me in with guys who've had a lot of fights and a lot of rounds. In my state, I don't think we're too far from a title shot; probably a couple more fights. Hopefully everything works out for my promoter and everyone behind us where we can go for this.
MJ: How do you like Boxing 360 Promotions?
JD: They're good. Boxing 360 is keeping me on my feet and getting me fights all year. This is already going to be my fifth fight this year. As long as I stay busy, they're keeping me where I want to be. I appreciate them for everything they've been doing for me.
MJ: Is there anything else you'd like to say to fans on FightHype.com?
JD: Keep a watch out for Joel Diaz, Jr. I'm moving up, man. You got to see me on TV one time and I put on a good show. I'm hoping to keep pleasing the fans out there; keep watching me. I'm going to be somebody. Also, another thank you to my promotional company, Boxing 360.