Julio Diaz: I’m no stepping stone!
On December 15th 2012 at the Los Angeles Sports Arena in Los Angeles, two veterans of the game will take on undefeated prospect looking to make a name for themselves.
In the main event, Amir Khan will look to rebound from two consecutive losses as he takes on undefeated Carlos Molina.
In the co-featured bout, former world champion Julio Diaz will look to continue his comeback run with a win over undefeated prospect Shawn Porter.
Standnfight’s Dominic Serna caught up with Coachella’s own Julio Diaz and got his thoughts on the upcoming welterweight clash.
DS: First off, congratulations on your upcoming fight with Shawn Porter, can you tell me a little about that fight?
It’s a fight that excites me. It just shows that I’m stepping up another level. When I came back, in my two comeback fights, I did what I had to do. I put these guys away and didn’t make it into a fight. Now I’m looking towards a bigger step in Shawn Porter, who is an undefeated fighter and a win over him will put me back and get peoples attention.
DS: The fight was tentatively set for the Guerrero vs. Berto undercard but now it’s been upgraded to the co-main event under Amir Khan vs. Carlos Molina on December 15th.
It’s just a 2-3 week wait but the way I see it, It’s all for my benefit. Now I have secured a televised fight and it gives me 3 more weeks to polish myself up. The weight is not an issue so it’s just more time to focus on my opponent. More than anything, show what I can do. If all goes well more people will see it on a good card.
DS: Being the co-main event people will likely want to see you, if all goes well against the winner of Khan/Molina.
Definitely, I would love an opportunity like that. Beating Shawn Porter, I don’t see why I wouldn’t be worthy or deserving of a shot like that. With my history and being the caliber of fighter that I am, I’m paying my dues. Khan just got knocked out and he’s in the process of getting his respect back and now paying his dues. I think I belong at a level like that.
DS: What are your thoughts on Khan?
I think Khan is a great fighter. He’s still a very dangerous fighter that has a lot of possibilities. He just made some mistakes and hasn’t got a break. Every little slip he made, he has paid the price. He’s just one of those fighters that hasn’t caught a break. From this point on I think we’re going to see a more focused Khan.
DS: Back to the Porter fight. Him being a prospect and you being the veteran, is the plan to take him into deep waters?
That’s what I’ve been telling you. I’m not a young guy like Shawn Porter and of course I don’t have the speed but I think experience and timing compensates for that. He’s never been in there with a veteran like me. I’m going to work him and take him into deep waters. That’s the best chance I have. I can’t go in there and try to out box him or beat him on points. With Shawn Porter, I need to knock him out.
DS: It being a ten rounder, do you feel you need to start quicker?
Yes, it’s not much different but instead of waiting til the 4th or 5th round, I’ll start applying pressure from the second round on and like I said; with a young prospect like Shawn Porter, I don’t want any scorecards, no judges… I can’t allow it. I gotta knock this guy out and I’m confident I have what it takes to get it done.
DS: Anything you’d like to say in closing?
I know right now everybody is looking at me as a stepping stone like I’m is old or I’m finished. They want to come and use my name as a stepping stone. Like the two young guys I just fought, thought the same way and I destroyed them. With Shawn Porter, I’m coming to fight and I’m looking to put him out. If that means risking myself or getting put out, It’s going to be a fight. An enjoyable fight for the fans.