Ricky Quiles to face Julio Diaz for IBF interim title

01/04/2006

Ricky Quiles to face Julio Diaz for IBF interim title

For 17 years Ricky Quiles has toiled in the boxing gym, fought and won all over the United States, waiting for his one opportunity to shine.  On Thursday, May 18, Quiles finally gets that long-awaited world title shot when he faces former world title holder Julio Diaz for the interim IBF lightweight championship.    “I’ve waited my entire career for this moment, and I’m not about to let it slip away,” said Quiles.  “Julio Diaz is a great fighter, and you know what happens when a Puerto Rican and a Mexican get together in the ring, but I will win this war.”   "There is nothing better than being a world champion,” said Diaz.  “It's an on-top-of-the-world feeling.  I miss that feeling.  I had it once and I want it back.  Now, I have a better appreciation for what I had and for what I will have again.  My loss to a great champion, Jose Luis Castillo, has only increased my hunger and desire to again wear a world title belt.  I have nothing but respect for Ricky Quiles; he is a most worthy opponent.  But I am on a mission and I will not be denied." This is the first time two Tribes--the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation--have joined forces to help present a World Championship boxing card. The promoters of the card are Warriors Boxing, which promotes Quiles, and Sycuan Ringside Promotions of California, which promotes Diaz.