Interview

October 24, 2003
Interview with David Diaz

"I am looking to give fans what they want to see"

by Julius Stecker
    TalkingBoxing's Julius Stecker caught up with the pride of Chicago, David Diaz (21-0), who is coming off an impressive NBC televised fight on September 13th that saw him take a unanimous decision over 8 rounds. The former 1996 Olympic team member, who holds an amateur win over Zab Judah, has already fought 5 times this year and has a big fight on an 8 Count Productions event on December 12th. Diaz is currently ranked #8 by the WBO at light welterweight and is pressing for a title shot. The 27-year old Diaz doesn't have too much time on his side. "I think right now I have more passion, fire and intensity then I ever had," said Diaz. Read on for more of what David had to say.

Interview with David Diaz

Julius Stecker: How is everything going and when is your next fight?

David Diaz: Everything is going great...my next fight will be on Dec 12th in Chicago an 8 Count-productions card at the De Paul athletic center.

Julius Stecker: Your last fight was on national TV, NBC, do you think that was a step in the right direction for your career?

David Diaz: Yes definitely it was a step in the right direction, hopefully the fans really like the way I fought.

Julius Stecker: You are a former 1996 Olympian yet your career did not take off like some of your counterparts careers did, what do you attribute that to?

David Diaz: They stayed with the game, each had a tremendous amateur career and each garnered respect they deserved after the Olympics. I did not stay in the business right away and I took some time away from fighting, 2 years total.

Julius Stecker: Do you think now you have the passion that you had before you went to the Olympics?

David Diaz: I think right now I have more passion, fire, and intensity then I ever had. I have taken good care of my body, and I am looking to give fans what they want to see.

Julius Stecker: You own a amateur victory over Zab Judah, is that a fight you are looking for in the near future?

David Diaz: Definitely, I would like that fight, but any fight with any champion would be great. I would like to fight any of the champions in the Junior Welterweight division.

Julius Stecker: Being from Chicago, what does it mean to you to be able to carry on a tradition of Chicago prize fighting?

David Diaz: It means a lot, this a great tradition we have here in Chicago and it is my dream to bring a title fight to the city in the near future. Chicago is not just a city that admires football and basketball, there are a lot of fight fans here and I want to help bring them something special to Chicago.

Julius Stecker: For those who are not familiar with you, how would you describe your fighting style?

David Diaz: A good aggressive fighter, who can box, but I prefer to go in there and slug it out every now and then

Julius Stecker: What fighters right now do you enjoy watching most?

David Diaz: I enjoy watching Fernando Vargas, he is an excellent fighter who gives his best every time out. Also I truly admire Evander Holyfield, he has remarkable character and guts, even at his age he still gives his best every time out.

Julius Stecker: In closing what can the boxing world expect from David Diaz in the near future?

David Diaz: You can expect exciting fights, and within the next year the Junior Welterweight champion of the world.

TalkingBoxing would like to thank David Diaz for taking time to talk with us. We wish him the best of luck in his upcoming fight, December 12th.