If ever there was a guy to root for in the boxing world, Juan Diaz just may be it. Juan, is a student at the University of Houston majoring in Political science, in preparation for law school. He is also one of the best up and coming boxers in the fight game. At 21, he is already the WBA lightweight champ and has a career record of 26 wins, 0 losses and 12 KO's. I am willing to bet he is the ONLY champion in boxing that still has a 10 pm. curfew on school nights.
Juan is nothing like the typical boxing "stereotype". He is very polite and soft spoken, dresses very well, doesn't have any tattoos or jewelry. Diaz fights to pay his way through school because his parents have no money. But it doesn't hurt that he is one of the best fighters in the world at his weight class. Juan wakes up around 5:30 am so that he can get his weight training and conditioning done. Then in the early afternoon he gets to the gym so he can get sparring and training done. After he finds time to get a meal in, he heads to classes at night, and then studies until he has to get to bed.
With all the money he is making, and going to make boxing, there is no reason for him to need the education. As smart as he is, he could invest wisely and never need to work again. But he continues to do what it takes to get him to law school. And what other champions mother would say "While they are living with me, they should obey the house rules. When Juan is married, he can do whatever he wants." I say, Mrs. Diaz, you know what you are doing and raised a very good kid.
Well, tonight at 9 eastern on ESPN, Juan Diaz will make his second defense of the WBA lightweight title vs. 36 year old Billy Irwin. Irwin is 42-5 with 30 KO's, and on a roll by knocking out his last 6 opponents. If you have a chance, you should check this fight out.
