Julio Diaz Responds to Joel Casamayor

By Darren Nichols

25/04/2007

Julio Diaz Responds to Joel Casamayor

"Casamayor says he’s frustrated that nobody wants to fight him, I’ll help him out with his frustration."

BoxingTalk:  Julio, I know you read the most recent interview Casamayor did on BoxingTalk.  What is your reaction to his statements?

Julio Diaz:  Casamayor is saying that everybody is trying to duck him or avoid him, and I feel I’m going through the same thing.  Casamayor says he’s frustrated that nobody wants to fight him, I’ll help him out with his frustration.  I'll fight him any day and any place.  I’ll even go to Cuba.  I’m waiting for an opportunity just like he is.  I have a title too, and we can fight for our titles.

BoxingTalk:  What about your proposed fight with Nate Campbell?

Julio Diaz:  The Nate Campbell fight is going to happen eventually because of his mandatory shot, but Casamayor is the fight I want right now.

BoxingTalk:  As of now, who are you and your team planning to fight next?

Julio Diaz:  I would like to fight Juan Diaz, Freitas, and Casamayor, but since Casamayor is not scheduled to fight anyone right now, and he is frustrated that nobody wants to fight him, why not do it between he and I.  I’m a world champion too.  I’m a world class competitor, and I’ll take him any day.

BoxingTalk:  Why do you want this fight with Casamayor?

Julio Diaz:  I want to show my skills against a fighter like Casamayor.  To show everyone who the better fighter is.  Casamayor is respected as a great champion and that is the credit I want.  I want that credit of beating a great champion.  Just like when I wanted to face Freitas.  I wanted that credit before Juan Diaz got to him, because I think this will be an easy fight for Diaz.  I see him beating Freitas on points.

BoxingTalk:  To get properly trained to take on a fighter like Casamayor, when would you be ready to fight next?

Julio Diaz:  As soon as possible.  I’ve been staying in shape, so whenever he’s ready.  I’m not trying to walk away from Nate Campbell, and I’m not trying to go for the bigger fight for the money.  Casamayor can even take the bigger chunk of the money, I just want to fight a world champion.

BoxingTalk:  What do you feel will be your biggest advantage when you face Casamayor?

Julio Diaz:  I’m faster, I punch harder, and I’m the bigger guy.  I view myself as a big lightweight now.

BoxingTalk:  You have had an impressive run of stopping your opponents lately.  Do you feel you will be able to do the same against the likes of a Casamayor?

Julio Diaz:  Who knows?  Casamayor has been down a lot of times in his career.  I’m not saying I’m going to come in there and knock him out, but I feel very confident of my punching power.

BoxingTalk:  Is there anything that would keep this fight from happening on your part?

Julio Diaz:  No, not at all.  Casamayor wants to fight the big names out there, and if no body wants to fight him, he won’t struggle with me in negotiating this fight.

BoxingTalk:  I know Casamayor and his people will read this interview on BoxingTalk, what message do you personally have for Casamayor?

Julio Diaz:  I’m here.  If I’m a chump, if I’m not a worthy opponent, then come take an easy fight. Take this fight like a tune-up bout, and come get my title.  I’m not trying to get Casamayor for his purse, I’m trying to get him for his name.  I’ll fight him anywhere and anytime.


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