Joseph Diaz Jr. was back before. There’s no reason to think he can’t do it again.
“Jo Jo” lost a broad decision to the slick Gary Russell Jr in 2018 only to win his next five games, including a breakout decision against Tevin Farmer in favor to won the 130-pound IBF title in 2020.
Now, he’s taken another setback, this time against undisputed 135-pound champion Devin Haney last December, a loss that led some to believe his best years. The 29-year-old is behind him.
Diaz (32-2-1, 15 KOs) aims to prove them wrong, starting with his comeback fight against Mexican slugger William Zepeda on Saturday in San Diego (DAZN).
“I have had a few losses, a few ups and downs in my career,” he told Boxing Junkie, “but I feel like my whole journey has made me the boxer I am today. . They have made me more focused, more determined, more hungry.
“I used that energy in this training camp. I am very excited about October 29”
Zepeda (26-0.23 KOs) could be a significant challenger for Diaz.
The 26-year-old is a strong, athletic fighter who has 23 kills in 26 games for one reason: He can crack. Diaz expects Zepeda to strike him at the opening bell, which will almost certainly be refreshing for the well-educated American.
Diaz is the hunter against the engine Farmer, Javier Fortuna and Haney. He will be hunted against Zepeda.
“I don’t have to fight someone I have to chase, like Farmer, Fortuna, Haney,” he said. “These guys fight with their hind legs, trying to box, trying to move, defending. William Zepeda will apply a lot of pressure, which will allow me to show off my boxing skills.
“I feel like I will be able to be elusive, show my skills, my defensive skills. Everything in my arsenal comes out on Saturday night.”
Plus, this is his fourth fight at 135 pounds, he feels like he’s grown into the squad. He believes his physical strength will help him cope with the physical challenges Zepeda may face during their scheduled 12 rounds.
“I will have speed, elusiveness and power. You’ll see on Saturday night,” he said.
If all goes well for Diaz, he hopes to head directly into another big fight.
That means a meeting with the likes of Haney, Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia or Shakur Stevenson, four of the most similar boxers in the world. All of them would be significant favorites if Diaz lost the third game.
That realization won’t make Diaz, who has faced difficulties many times in his career. His confidence never wavered, even after setbacks.
He was asked how he could recover from his loss to Russell.
“A lot of determination, a lot of inner belief in myself,” he said. “I have that faith inside, trusting in God, knowing everything I’ve been through. I believe I can overcome anything.”
Diaz’s critics might roll their eyes when they read that comment because of his losses to Russell and Haney. Well, he asserts the doubts in his favor.
The 2012 US Olympics said that his 2-year-old son is his main source of motivation these days. Then there were those who didn’t believe he was capable of competing with the 135-pound athletes despite his qualifications.
“Hate gives me strength,” he said. “Many people think I’ve fallen, that I’m not the boxer I used to be. That right there motivates me. Like I said, I’ve had losses in my career. You cannot let that defeat you. You just need to adjust next time to be able to win. …
“I’m ready to perform.”
