"I don't think Crawford's team wants the fight with me, especially after they started the rumor that I had out-priced myself, which is totally false. I had accepted their offer from day 1 and I have the email to prove it, so they need to tell the truth...this man does not want to fight me, so whatever I say won't change his decision. Plus everybody on his team ain't confident that he could beat me. And also, I understand as well that Crawford supports a lot of people on his team, so they are protecting the cash cow, so keep cherry-picking," stated jr. welterweight contender Felix Diaz, who sounded off on a potential clash with unified jr. welterweight champion Terence Crawford. Check it out!
PC: Hey Felix, how is everything going?
FD: Everything is going well. I had started shaking out and I am on my way to California to start training with my trainer, Joel Diaz.
PC: Terence Crawford appears to be returning to the ring on May 20th. Your name is in the mix. You have been calling for this fight for a long time. Do you feel it's getting close to happening?
FD: To keep it complety honest, I don't think Crawford's team wants the fight with me, especially after they started the rumor that I had out-priced myself, which is totally false. I had accepted their offer from day 1 and I have the email to prove it, so they need to tell the truth.
PC: There aren't many fighters who would pursue Crawford like you have been. You're obviously confident that you can beat him.
FD: I just want to fight the best and Crawford is on that list and I feel I have what it takes to beat him.
PC: Stylistically, how do you see yourself matching up against Crawford? How do you see a fight playing out between the two of you?
FD: It will be a war. I know Terence will come at his best and I will prepare myself for whatever he brings.
PC: You are a decorated amateur, you're a southpaw, and for that reason, it doesn't seem like people are knocking your door down to fight. You don't have to say names if you don't want to, or feel free to say names, but I'm sure you have been turned down on a daily basis by some big-name guys.
FD: I have been turned down by Danny Garcia, Adrien Broner, Terence Crawford, Shawn Porter, Andre Berto and even Lamont Peterson for a rematch. It's a shame, but it's the truth and I dare anyone on that list to deny it.
PC: When you look around the 140-pound division, there are some guys there like Ricky Burns, Viktor Postol, and even Amir Imam. If not Crawford, is there anyone else in particular you would like to get in there with and test yourself against?
FD: I will fight anyone my team puts in front of me. I don't turn down from any challenge. Every fighter that comes from the Olympics are used to fighting the best the world has to offer, so we carry that same mindset into the pros.
PC: Adrien Broner is saying that he could still make 140 pounds. First off, do you believe that he can, and if so, is he on your radar?
FD: I would love to fight Broner at whatever weight he is comfortable at. So pass the word, Percy. I know you are well connected on that side (laughing).
PC: (Laughing) I got you, my man. In your opinion, what separates you from the rest of the junior welterweights?
FD: I can't speak for the other junior welterweights, but I come to fight. I don't come for a payday; I come to win.
PC: You have always been willing to go to welterweight and fight guys. Is that an option as well, to move up for a big fight?
FD: I made that clear to my advisor, Al Haymon, and Lou DiBella that I will fight anyone at 140 or 147 pounds, if it makes sense for my career.
PC: I wish you the best of luck moving forward. Thanks for your time and I hope you get the fights you're looking for. In closing, if Terence Crawford is reading this interview, tell us why he should be fighting Felix Diaz on May 20th.
FD: I'm not going to fool the fans, Percy, this man does not want to fight me, so whatever I say won't change his decision. Plus everybody on his team ain't confident that he could beat me. And also, I understand as well that Crawford supports a lot of people on his team, so they are protecting the cash cow, so keep cherry-picking, brother!
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]