Joseph Diaz Jr. Defeats Tevin Farmer to Become IBF Champion

Joseph "JoJo" Diaz Jr. (31-1, 15 KOs) of South El Monte, California became world champion Thursday night by winning a unanimous decision over Philadelphia's Tevin Farmer (30-5-1, 6 KOs) to win the IBF Junior Lightweight World Title at the Meridian at Island Garden in Miami and streamed live on DAZN.

Diaz was cut early in the fight but despite that was dominant in pressuring the Philadelphia fighter in going the distance as the scores were 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113. "In my previous opportunities, I needed to learn and deal with the adversity that I had been put through," said Joseph Diaz Jr. "I wanted to be an influence and a person who shows everybody that as long as you believe in yourself, you can overcome everything, any adversity. Despite everything, I was disciplined and focused, and I got the win this time. Tevin Farmer is a hell of a fighter. No matter what you say about him. He's been through everything. I respect him, and I thank him for giving me the opportunity.

"We are absolutely delighted that Joseph Diaz Jr. is now a world champion," said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. "Today is a very special day for us because Diaz Jr. is a young man who we signed about 8 years ago after participating in the 2012 Olympics, and now in his third opportunity he is a world champion. Golden Boy is getting stronger every day, and today's a perfect example of that."