"My management team is flying in world-class sparring [partners] that are southpaw and orthodox and fighters that fight out of both stances, so we going to be prepared for whatever Terence comes in the ring with on May 20...I can't speak for his past opponents. I respect every fighter that gets in that ring, but I feel I am better than anyone he has ever faced and I'm hungry, man," stated jr. welterweight contender Felix Diaz, who talked about his upcoming clash with undefeated unified jr. welterweight champion Terence Crawford. Check it out!
PC: When we last spoke, I said I hope you get the fights you are seeking. Terence Crawford was at the top of that list for you and now it's happening on May 20th. I'm sure you are very pleased with that.
FD: I am very thankful for the opportunity. I had been asking my team to put me in with the best and it don't get any better than Crawford.
PC: Was it important for you to not fight Terence in Nebraska or did that not matter for you?
FD: It was definitely important fighting outside his hometown, so hopefully if this fight does go the distance, the right fighter gets the win.
PC: Most fighters, and athletes in general, say it's a dream come true to compete in Madison Square Garden. You will have that opportunity on May 20th. What is that feeling like for you to be center stage at one of the most historic venues for a sporting event?
FD: God is good. Fighting in Madison Square Garden on HBO in the main event for the WBC/WBO championship title against a pound-for-pound is a dream come true. This is what it's all about. I was upset that the Knick's didn't make the playoffs, but I'm happy now because it opens the door for this event to take place at the Mecca of boxing.
PC: Crawford likes to switch hit a lot. He goes from orthodox to southpaw a lot. Given your style and your southpaw stance, do you think you have an idea of how he will fight you? Are you expecting to see a lot of southpaw versus southpaw or do you think he will fight you more out of an orthodox stance?
FD: My management team is flying in world-class sparring [partners] that are southpaw and orthodox and fighters that fight out of both stances, so we going to be prepared for whatever Terence comes in the ring with on May 20.
PC: Crawford is a top pound-for-pound guy. He's unbeaten in 30 fight. Why is Felix Diaz going to be the fighter to penetrate his defense and give him his first loss?
FD: I can't speak for his past opponents. I respect every fighter that gets in that ring, but I feel I am better than anyone he has ever faced and I'm hungry, man.
PC: Obviously you respect Terence and his accomplishments. I won't ask you to reveal what you feel his weaknesses are, but what are some of the things you feel he does well?
FD: Terence is a great boxer overall. He has his weaknesses, we all do, but boxing is like a chess game.
PC: I have seen guys call out other guys often, and they say a lot of the same things you were saying about Crawford - he's handpicking opponents, he's avoided you - and it's turned out horrible in some, if not most instances for the guy doing the calling out. How do you avoid that fate and back up everything you have been saying on May 20th?
FD: May 20th, Terence will know why his trainer was against this fight in the first place. That's all I am going to say.
PC: You are working with Alex Ariza for this fight. How important was it for you to bring in a guy like Alex to be in the best physical shape you could possibly be in for this fight?
FD: My manager, Jose Nunez, has put all the right pieces together. I am very grateful to have Joel Diaz as my trainer and Alex Ariza as my strength and conditioning coach because both guys are good at what they do .They will bring out the best in me.
PC: Both of you guys are highly technical fighters; very high skill set. Do you feel this will be a highly technical chess match or could this turn into a war of attrition because your skill sets cancel out each other?
FD: We both have something to prove. It's going to be a war! Get your tickets now, Percy .
PC: For fans who are not quite familiar with Felix Diaz, what impression do you hope to leave on them after this fight? What do you want them to walk away thinking about Felix Diaz after May 20th?
FD: I just want the fans to understand the struggle I had to encounter being a Dominican in this sport and accept me as their world champion no matter the race; judge me by my skills.
PC: We will definitely be getting some camp updates from you leading up to this fight. Good luck during training and we will speak soon. Is there anything else you would like to add before I let you go?
FD: I would like to thank the fans and the media because without you guys, this fight would not have taken place. I would also like to thank HBO, MSG, DiBella, Top Rank, Team Crawford, Al Haymon, and my manager Jose Nunez for this opportunity.
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]