Today it was confirmed that Joseph Diaz will take on the super quick Gary Russell Jr next up in one of Diaz’ toughest tests of his unbeaten career to date.
Undefeated Featherweight and former U.S. Olympian Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. will fight for his first world championship against WBC title-holder Gary Russell, Jr. on Saturday, May 19 in a clash live on SHOWTIME from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.
Russell Jr. and Diaz Jr. have both had sensational professional and amateur careers, including representing the U.S. at two different Olympic Games – Russell in 2008 and Diaz in 2012. Russell is noted for having some of the fastest hands in boxing but will be tested by a young, hungry contender in his first world title fight.
“The featherweight division is one of the most talent laden in boxing and Gary Russell, Jr. is at the head of a class of terrific boxers at 126 pounds,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. “Joseph Diaz Jr. is young, hungry and undefeated and he’s coming for the title and he’s going to have to beat Russell in front of his hometown crowd to take it. It has the makings of an instant classic. Boxing fans will be the real winners on May 19.”
“Golden Boy Promotions is dedicated to ensuring that the best fight the best,” said Oscar De La Hoya, CEO and Chairman of Golden Boy Promotions. “This exciting matchup between two of the best featherweights in the world is yet another example of that. Diaz Jr. has the skills, the speed and the power to become the best 126-pounder in the world, and on May 19 I have no doubts that he will defeat Russell Jr. and walk away champion.”
“SHOWTIME continues to deliver the most meaningful and action-packed fights in boxing, week after week,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programming for SHOWTIME. “On May 19, we have two events that demand top-billing, with world champions facing their toughest challengers in an international split-site doubleheader. Gary Russell and JoJo Diaz will meet in the latest of what has become a de facto featherweight tournament this spring on SHOWTIME. Over the next two months, SHOWTIME will deliver four pivotal matchups featuring three world champions and seven of the consensus top-10 featherweights in the world.”
Certainly a solid fight and card so far.
