Joseph Diaz Fights Victor Proa Saturday in Fantasy Springs

NABF Featherweight Champion Joseph "Jojo" Diaz, Jr. of South El Monte will put his title and his undefeated record on the line against Victor "Pitufo" Proa (28-1-2, 21 KOs) of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico this Friday at the Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino Events Center live on HBO Latino. We caught up with Diaz talk about his upcoming fight.

“My upcoming fight July 30 on HBO is against Victor Proa,” Joseph Diaz told Fightnews.com "I want to thank my team, manager Ralph Heredia, and my promoter Oscar De la Hoya Golden Boy Promotions," Diaz added.

As usual Diaz trained in his hometown of South El Monte for this camp at the Teamsters Gym with his father Joseph Diaz and longtime trainer Ben Lira as he prepares for the Mexican Proa.

"Camp is going good we are just focusing now on making the weight. All the hard work has already been done now it’s just making the weight proper. I am ready to go,” Diaz said.

Proa, has over 30 fights and his only loss came at the hands of former world title contender Raul Martinez back in 2008. He is coming off a decision over Oswaldo Delgado early this year in February as Diaz will look to defeat the Mexican veteran.

“He is a very strong fighter and powerful. He is heavy handed but I will go in there and do what I do best and that’s come out victorious,” Diaz said.

For Diaz he is coming off the biggest win of his career over former world title challenger Jayson Velez of Puerto Rico in March in Oakland on the Andre Ward vs Sullivan Barrera card as he made his HBO Boxing debut in opening up the telecast.

“The Jayson Velez fight was a good fight. It was a stepping stone for me it gave me that experience and that exposure to fight on HBO. I was glad to be given the opportunity I took advantage and now it is setting me up for bigger and better things,” Diaz said.

Having a win over former world title contenders and this being his third time on the HBO network which includes two fights on HBO Latino and this years debut on HBO Boxing, Diaz is about a fight or two from facing the top fighters in the division.

“I still need to stay active after this fight I am looking to fight more time this year in September and hopefully in December,” Diaz said. “I feel I am at the peaking point where I can break out. I know these are tough and great fights for me. This is the time to go out there and show everyone who I am and showcase all my skills so I can become the next big thing in boxing,” Diaz added.

Diaz vs. Proa will be a scheduled 10 round bout for Diaz's NABF featherweight title as the 23 year old Diaz looks to showcase his skills.

“This fight I want to show more power,” Diaz said. "Everybody tune into my fight. It will be a very tough fight but I need to showcase to everyone that I am the next big thing in my weight division so I can get a world title,” Diaz added.

Follow Miguel on Twitter @MigMaravilla