David Diaz returns from a 15 month hiatus
to defeat Jesus Chavez by majority decision
September 26, 2009 photos and story by Max Rottenstein
David Diaz delivers a strong right jab to Jesus Chavez
In a hard fought 10-round match on Saturday night, former WBC lightweight champ "Dangerous" David Diaz prevailed over former IBF lightweight champ Jesus "El Matador" Chavez. Diaz's victory by majority decision in front of a hometown crowd capped off the seven-fight card of Fight Night 6 at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago . The event was presented by Dominic Pesoli's 8 Count Productions.
Diaz's victory marked his first time in the ring since relinquishing his WBC title to Manny Pacquiao on June 28, 2008 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
Diaz's victory marked his first time in the ring since relinquishing his WBC title to Manny Pacquiao on June 28, 2008 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
Diaz spoke candidly about how this extended absence affected his performance in this ring. "You could tell," said Diaz, "I was a bit sluggish, and telegraphing my punches. I think we were both trying to do the same thing; trying to be macho man and trying to hit each other the hardest. We were both missing our punches, it's just part of it."
Even though the face of David Diaz took more visible damage than that of Chavez, a victor was not clear until emcee Tom Treiber announced the judges' majority decision. Certainly no one in the crowd could have chosen a clear winner as for every cheer for "Dangerous" was balanced by an equally spirited cheer for "El Matador."
Diaz went on to say, "It was a tough fight, and I told everybody it was going to be that way. I have nothing but respect for Jesus. I [almost] thought he won the fight, but there is nothing but respect here."
Diaz went on to say, "It was a tough fight, and I told everybody it was going to be that way. I have nothing but respect for Jesus. I [almost] thought he won the fight, but there is nothing but respect here."
As David Diaz misses with a right hook Jesus Chavez counters with a hard left jab
Speaking in the post-fight press conference Jesus Chavez returned that respect saying, "It meant a lot to me to come back to Chicago. I wish the outcome had been a little different, maybe a draw." Chavez went on to say, "Any outcome would have been well deserved. I'm not disappointed in myself which is very important."
Referee Gerald Scott holds up David Diaz's arm in victory
David Diaz flashes a smile after departing the ring victoriously
David Diaz addresses the media after his victory over Jesus Chavez
David Diaz at O'Hare Airport on September 28th departing for Copenhagen to represent Chicago in the the city's bid for the 2016 Olympics
Chavez always felt the fight was a close one and never got the sense that the things were slipping away. While agreeing to a minor extent that both he and Diaz were telegraphing their punches, Chavez stated, "I think we were both loading up too hard. That was the difference."
Overall, the loss to David Diaz held no surprises for Jesus Chavez as he noted, "everything I did in the ring was appropriate for what should be done in fighting a left-handed fighter." Cracking a bit of a smile, Chavez made a slight exception by saying, "I think there might have been some favoritism because we're in Chicago."
Gracious but gregarious in his victory, Diaz started laughing. "I don't know what Jesus is talking about, said Diaz pointing to his cuts and bruises, "look at my face!"
Overall, the loss to David Diaz held no surprises for Jesus Chavez as he noted, "everything I did in the ring was appropriate for what should be done in fighting a left-handed fighter." Cracking a bit of a smile, Chavez made a slight exception by saying, "I think there might have been some favoritism because we're in Chicago."
Gracious but gregarious in his victory, Diaz started laughing. "I don't know what Jesus is talking about, said Diaz pointing to his cuts and bruises, "look at my face!"
Diaz talks about
possible future plans
When Diaz was asked about his next step after this fight he started by saying, "We got off on the right foot and hopefully we can stand on the left foot so we can get another championship."
Taking this as more than a hint Diaz was asked about quotes attributed to WBO lightweight champ Michael Katsidis saying, "I want to fight him, I would love to fight him, let's do it!"
When he was reminded of the fact that Katsidis is taller (5'-7" vs 5'-6") and lankier then he is, Diaz said, "That's all right, that's not a problem because we actually do a lot better with taller fighters." Diaz, whose record now stands at 35-2-1 went on to say, "All my life I've been fighting taller guys. Jesus was tough because he was strong inside and he showed me a thing or two."
With the loss to Diaz, Jesus Chavez's record goes to 44-6. He indicated no immediate plans for his professional future. Just before posing for a photo with his opponent of the evening Chavez jested, "I just fought the guy I wanted to fight! What should I do next?"
When asked if there would be a rematch, Chavez pointed to Mr. Pesoli, the President of 8 Count Productions and said, "Talk to Dominic!"
Taking this as more than a hint Diaz was asked about quotes attributed to WBO lightweight champ Michael Katsidis saying, "I want to fight him, I would love to fight him, let's do it!"
When he was reminded of the fact that Katsidis is taller (5'-7" vs 5'-6") and lankier then he is, Diaz said, "That's all right, that's not a problem because we actually do a lot better with taller fighters." Diaz, whose record now stands at 35-2-1 went on to say, "All my life I've been fighting taller guys. Jesus was tough because he was strong inside and he showed me a thing or two."
With the loss to Diaz, Jesus Chavez's record goes to 44-6. He indicated no immediate plans for his professional future. Just before posing for a photo with his opponent of the evening Chavez jested, "I just fought the guy I wanted to fight! What should I do next?"
When asked if there would be a rematch, Chavez pointed to Mr. Pesoli, the President of 8 Count Productions and said, "Talk to Dominic!"
David Diaz and Jesus Chavez pose for a brief photo at the post-fight press conference at the UIC Pavilion
