Juan Díaz (boxer)

This article is about the Mexican American boxer. For other uses, see Juan Díaz (disambiguation).

Juan Díaz
Statistics
Real name	Juan Díaz
Nickname(s)	Baby Bull
Rated at	Lightweight Junior Welterweight
Height	1.68 m (5 ft 6 in)
Nationality	Mexican/American
Born	(1983-09-17) September 17, 1983 Houston, Texas
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	44
Wins	40
Wins by KO	19
Losses	4
Draws	0
No contests	0

Juan Díaz, born September 17, 1983 in Houston, Texas, is a retired Mexican-American boxer in the Lightweight division, and a former unified WBA, WBO, and IBF Lightweight champion.

With a record of 40–4 (19 KOs), Juan Diaz announced his retirement from boxing on June 7, 2011 to attend The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Law School.

Amateur career

Diaz was 105–5 as an amateur, winning 13 National Gold Medals, two National Silver Medals and four World Championships. He thought he had qualified for the 2000 Mexican Olympic team but was informed he was too young to compete in Sydney. He did not want to wait four more years and turned pro.

Professional career

Lightweight

Díaz made his professional boxing debut at age 16 on June 23, 2000 with a first-round TKO victory over Rafael Ortiz. He won his first five fights by knockout.

On November 22, 2003, Díaz won the WBO youth lightweight title with a sixth-round TKO of journeyman Joel Pérez. He accumulated a record of 24–0, which included wins over title challengers Joel Perez and Francisco Lorenzo, before challenging for his first world title.

On July 17, 2004, Díaz defeated Mongolian Lakva Sim for the WBA lightweight title by unanimous decision. Díaz defended the title seven times. On December 4, 2004, he defeated former two-time WBA lightweight champion Julien Lorcy by unanimous decision. In his second defense, he defeated Billy Irwin by 9th round tko. On April 8, 2006, he defended his title against undefeated José Miguel Cotto (brother of Miguel Cotto) with a unanimous decision victory. In his next fight, he defeated Randy Suico by 9th round tko. On November 14, 2006, Diaz successfully defended his title for the fifth time against Fernando Angulo of Ecuador by unanimous decision.

On April 28, 2007, Diaz was upgraded to super champion by the WBA, successfully defending his title against WBO champion Acelino Freitas by TKO after Freitas forfeited the fight before beginning the 9th round, unifying the WBO lightweight championship with the WBA (Super) lightweight title. The fight took place in Mashantucket, USA.

On October 13, 2007, Díaz unified a third title by defeating IBF Lightweight champion Julio Díaz in Chicago Illinois. He became the first undisputed lightweight champion since Pernell Whitaker in 1992.

Diaz vs. Campbell

Nate Campbell defeated Diaz by split decision to become IBF, WBO, WBA Champion, on March 8, 2008 in Cancún, Mexico. This ended Diaz's undefeated streak of thirty-three wins.

Diaz's training is supervised by fitness guru Brian Caldwell of Houston Texas.

Diaz vs. Katsidis

Díaz (34–1, 17 KO's) won a 12-round split decision over Australia's previous WBO lightweight champion Michael Katsidis, (23–2, 20 KO's) on September 6, 2008. Diaz became the new IBO lightweight champion in the "No Retreat, No Surrender" main event fight at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Ringside judge Gale Van Hoy scored the fight 116–112 while Levi Martinez scored it 115–113, all for Diaz, but Judge Glen Hamada had it 115–113 for Katsidis.

Diaz vs. Marquez

On February 28, 2009, Juan Manuel Márquez defeated Diaz in the 9th round of a 12 round bout for the unified world lightweight title. In the opening rounds, Diaz appeared to be winning the fight, pinning Marquez on the ropes and occasionally staggering him with big left hands. In the eighth round, Diaz was cut over his eye by a Marquez punch, much like he was in the loss to Nate Campbell. After starting strong in the ninth round, Marquez's precision punching proved to be too much and Diaz was knocked down twice, bringing an end to the fight. This fight was named "Fight of the Year" for 2009 by Ring magazine and ESPN.com. A rematch was scheduled for July the 31st 2010. The fight was held live on Pay Per View and in U.S. Theaters around the country.

Light Welterweight

Diaz vs. Malignaggi I & II

On August 22, 2009, Diaz moved up in weight to challenge Paul Malignaggi for the vacant WBO NABO light welterweight title at a catch-weight of 138½ pounds in his hometown of Houston, Texas. Although the fight was competitive, Malignaggi appeared stronger in the latter rounds. Diaz was ultimately awarded a unanimous decision, however, the scores were controversial with one judge scoring the fight 118–110 in Diaz's favor. Harold Lederman scored the fight 7 rounds to 5 for Malignaggi. On December 12, he had a rematch vs Paulie Malignaggi and was out worked easily by the quicker Malignaggi. All 3 judges scored it 116–111.

Return to Lightweight

Diaz vs. Marquez II

Main article: Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Juan Diaz II

Diaz fought Juan Manuel Marquez for the second time on July 31, 2010. Marquez won the fight via Unanimous Decision, 117–111, 118–110, 116–112

Coming out of Retirement

Diaz vs. Pipino Cuevas Jr.

Declaring that he had "the fire back," the former unified lightweight titleholder Juan Diaz ended a 2½-year retirement on April 13 by fighting Pipino Cuevas Jr. Trained by Tim Knight of Louisville, KY

Titles

• WBA lightweight champion (July 17, 2004 – April 28, 2007)
  • Won title from Lakva Sim On July 17, 2004
  • First defense was against Julien Lorcy on November 4, 2004
  • Second defense was against Billy Irwin on January 21, 2005
  • Third defense was against José Miguel Cotto On April 8, 2006
  • Fourth defense was against Randy Suico On July 15, 2006
  • Fifth defense was against Fernando Angulo On November 4, 2006
• WBA (Super) Lightweight Champion (April 28, 2007 – March 8, 2008, Promoted)
  • 1st Defense Was Against Acelino Freitas On April 28, 2007
  • 2nd Defense Was Against Julio Diaz On October 13, 2007
  • Lost the title to Nate Campbell on March 8, 2008
• IBF lightweight Champion (April 28, 2007- March 8, 2008)
  • Won title from Acelino Freitas On April 28, 2007
  • First defense was against Julio Diaz on October 13, 2007
  • Lost the title to Nate Campbell on March 8, 2008
• WBO lightweight Champion (October 13, 2007 – March 8, 2008)
  • Won title from Julio Diaz on October 13, 2007
  • Lost the title to Nate Campbell on March 8, 2008
• IBO lightweight Champion (September 6, 2008 – February 28, 2009)
  • Won vacant title from Michael Katsidis On September 6, 2008
  • Lost the title to Juan Manuel Marquez on February 28, 2009
• NABO light welterweight champion (2009)
• WBC youth world lightweight champion (2003)

Professional boxing record

40 Wins (19 knockouts), 4 Losses, 0 Draws
Res.	Record	Opponent	Type	Rd., Time	Date	Location	Notes
Win	40–4	Carlos Cardenas	UD	10	2014-09-06	Laredo Energy Arena, Laredo, Texas
Win	39–4	Gerardo Robles	UD	10	2014-03-01	Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Win	38–4	Juan Santiago	UD	10	2013-10-19	1stBank Center, Denver, Colorado
Win	37–4	Adailton De Jesus	TKO	5 (10), 1:51	2013-08-17	Laredo Energy Arena, Laredo, Texas
Win	36–4	Pipino Cuevas Jr.	TKO	6 (12)	2013-04-13	American Bank Center, Corpus Christi, Texas
Loss	35–4	Juan Manuel Márquez	UD	12	2010-07-31	Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, Nevada	For WBO & WBA (Super) Lightweight titles.
Loss	35–3	Paulie Malignaggi	UD	12	2009-12-12	UIC Pavilion Chicago, Illinois	Lost WBO NABO Light Welterweight title.
Win	35–2	Paulie Malignaggi	UD	12	2009-08-22	Toyota Center, Houston, Texas	Won vacant WBO NABO Light Welterweight title.
Loss	34–2	Juan Manuel Márquez	TKO	9 (12), 2:40	2009-02-28	Toyota Center, Houston, Texas	For vacant WBO & WBA (Super) Lightweight titles.
Win	34–1	Michael Katsidis	SD	12	2008-09-06	Toyota Center, Houston, Texas	Won vacant IBO Lightweight title.
Loss	33–1	Nate Campbell	SD	12	2008-03-08	Plaza de Toros, Cancun, Quintana Roo	Lost IBF, WBO & WBA (Super) Lightweight titles.
Win	33–0	Julio Díaz	TKO	9 (12), 0:01	2007-10-13	Sears Centre, Hoffman Estates, Illinois	Retained WBO & WBA (Super) Lightweight titles. Won IBF Lightweight title.
Win	32–0	Acelino Freitas	RTD	8 (12), 3:00	2007-04-28	Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket, Connecticut	Retained WBA (Super) Lightweight title. Won WBO Lightweight title.
Win	31–0	Fernando Angulo	UD	12	2006-11-04	Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona	Retained WBA World Lightweight title.
Win	30–0	Randy Suico	TKO	9 (12), 2:06	2006-07-15	MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada	Retained WBA World Lightweight title.
Win	29–0	José Miguel Cotto	UD	12	2006-04-08	Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada	Retained WBA World Lightweight title.
Win	28–0	Arthur Cruz	TKO	5 (10), 1:44	2005-07-16	Coushatta Casino Resort, Kinder, Louisiana
Win	27–0	Billy Irwin	TKO	9 (12), 1:27	2005-01-21	Reliant Center, Houston, Texas	Retained WBA World Lightweight title.
Win	26–0	Julien Lorcy	UD	12	2004-11-04	AT&T Center, San Antonio, Texas	Retained WBA World Lightweight title.
Win	25–0	Lakva Sim	UD	12	2004-07-17	Reliant Center, Houston, Texas	Won WBA World Lightweight title.
Win	24–0	Martin O'Malley	TKO	2 (10), 0:55	2004-04-17	Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California
Win	23–0	Joel Perez	TKO	6 (10), 1:27	2003-11-22	Reliant Center, Houston, Texas	Retained WBC Youth World Lightweight title.
Win	22–0	Francisco Lorenzo	UD	10	2003-07-19	Reliant Center, Houston, Texas	Retained WBC Youth World Lightweight title.
Win	21–0	Eleazar Contreras, Jr.	UD	10	2003-05-10	Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California	Won vacant WBC Youth World Lightweight title.
Win	20–0	John Bailey	TKO	7 (10), 2:16	2003-02-01	Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, Connecticut
Win	19–0	Arthur Cruz	TKO	4 (10), 0:39	2002-11-22	Bally's Park Place, Atlantic City, New Jersey
Win	18–0	Roy Delgado	TKO	6 (10), 0:46	2002-10-19	Reliant Center, Houston, Texas
Win	17–0	Peter Nieves	UD	10	2002-08-24	Bally's Park Place, Atlantic City, New Jersey
Win	16–0	Michael Davis	UD	10	2002-07-05	Civic Center Arena, Laredo, Texas
Win	15–0	Nelson Ramon Medina	UD	8	2002-04-27	Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, Connecticut
Win	14–0	Juan Carlos Juarez	UD	8	2002-02-15	Radisson Hotel, Houston, Texas
Win	13–0	Rudolfo Lunsford	UD	4	2001-11-10	Reliant Center, Houston, Texas
Win	12–0	Ubaldo Hernandez	SD	8	2001-09-01	Don Haskins Center, El Paso, Texas
Win	11–0	Scott Buck	TKO	1 (6), 2:26	2001-07-27	Soaring Eagle Casino, Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Win	10–0	John Trigg	UD	6	2001-06-23	Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, Connecticut
Win	9–0	Carlos Horacio Nevarez	KO	1 (6), 2:44	2001-05-19	Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, Connecticut
Win	8–0	Mahan Washington	UD	6	2001-03-02	Texas Station Gambling Hall & Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada
Win	7–0	Bradley Jensen	UD	6	2001-01-13	Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, Connecticut
Win	6–0	Michael Lucero	UD	6	2000-12-01	MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
Win	5–0	Antonio Young	TKO	2 (?)	2000-11-10	Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
Win	4–0	Starr Johnson	TKO	3 (4)	2000-09-22	International Ballroom, Houston, Texas
Win	3–0	Juan Carlos Alvarez	TKO	1 (4)	2000-09-02	Salon Teotihuacan, Mexicali, Baja California
Win	2–0	Miller Vazquez	KO	1 (4)	2000-07-22	Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Distrito Federal
Win	1–0	Rafael Ortiz	TKO	1 (4)	2000-06-23	Poliforum Zamna, Mérida, Yucatán	Juan's professional debut.

Personal life

Díaz maintained a full-time academic schedule while boxing, graduating high school from Contemporary Learning Center in Houston in 2001 [1] and obtaining a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Houston–Downtown.

Diaz is a community activist who has been deputized as a Volunteer Voter Registrar for Harris County (Texas). He works with the League of Women Voters of the Houston Area to promote full participation in civic life.

Diaz's company, Baby Bull LLC, partners with ESPN Deportes to produce the radio show ``The Baby Bull Show, which guests popular boxers like Joel Casamayor, Saul Alvarez to name a few. He also has a trucking company, JD Trucking, with his brother Jose as partner.

See also

• List of current world boxing champions
• List of famous people raised in Houston
• List of lightweight boxing champions
• List of Mexican boxing world champions
• List of undisputed boxing champions
• List of WBA world champions
• History of Mexican Americans in Houston

External links

• Juan Diaz Fight-by-Fight Career Record
• Professional boxing record for Juan Díaz from BoxRec
• Juan Díaz – BoxRec Boxing Encyclopedia
• Article
• boxen-artur.de – Encyclopedia

Achievements
Preceded by Lakva Sim	WBA Lightweight Champion July 17, 2004 – April 28, 2007 Promoted	Succeeded by Jose Alfaro as Regular champion
New title	Upgraded To WBA Lightweight Super Champion April 28, 2007 – March 8, 2008	Succeeded by Nate Campbell
Preceded by Acelino Freitas	WBO Lightweight Champion April 28, 2007 – March 8, 2008
Preceded by Julio Díaz	IBF Lightweight Champion October 13, 2007 – March 8, 2008
Minor world titles
Vacant Title last held by Isaac Hlatshwayo	IBO Lightweight Champion September 06, 2008 – February 28, 2009	Succeeded by Juan Manuel Márquez
Regional titles
Vacant Title last held by Victor Ortiz	NABO Light Welterweight Champion August 22, 2009 - December 12, 2009	Succeeded by Paulie Malignaggi