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Joseph Diaz Jr. To Defend IBF Junior Lightweight World
Title Against Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov
A new era has begun in the career of Joseph “JoJo” Diaz
(31-1, 15 KOs) as he makes the first defense of his IBF
Junior Lightweight World Title against mandatory challenger
Shavkatdzhon “Shere Khan” Rakhimov (15-0, 12 KOs) in a
12-round battle between two southpaws with highly decorated
amateur backgrounds. The co-main event will also feature a
classic battle between Brasil’s Patrick Teixeira, who will
defend his WBO Junior Middleweight World Title, and
Argentine mandatory challenger Brian “El Boxi” Castańo.
The event will take place Saturday, Feb. 13 and will be
streamed live exclusively on DAZN in more than 200 countries
and territories, including the U.S., Mexico, Russia,
Tajikistan, Brazil and Argentina.
Information regarding the venue and undercard will be
announced shortly.
“After his participation in the Olympics and turning
professional, Joseph had one goal: become a world champion,”
said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy.
“Everyone at Golden Boy Promotions was so proud when Joseph
had his hand raised and realized his dream. Now that he’s
got that belt, he’s not giving it back any time soon.”
Diaz Jr. is a 28-year-old southpaw who represented the U.S.
at the 2012 Olympic games in London. Immediately after, Diaz
Jr. signed with Golden Boy and began a stellar career that
has included fights against Gary Russell Jr., Andrew “El
Chango” Cancio, Jesus Rojas, and Rafael "Big Bang" Rivera.
In his last fight, the native of South El Monte, Calif.
defeated Tevin “American Idol” Farmer to become the IBF
Junior Lightweight Champion, which began a new phase of his
career as he begins to take over the division.
“Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov is a very good fighter who is highly
ranked throughout the world,” said Joseph Diaz Jr. “I know
he’s been aching for a world title shot, but I’m ready to go
out there and showcase that I’m willing to fight the best
and defend my title with whoever wants to step in that ring
with me. I’m the hungriest I’ve ever been, and there is
nothing that he brings to the table that can affect me.”
“In my first main event on DAZN, I’m going to show to the
world that I am the biggest threat at 130 pounds and a
household name,” Diaz Jr. continued. “Not only am I doing
this for myself, but I’m also doing this for my family. I
fight to motivate people to keep on pushing and continue
pursuing the dreams they have through the ups and downs in
life. That’s my purpose. Come Feb. 13, I’m going to shine.
It’s my time!”
Rakhimov is a 26-year-old puncher who earned gold medals in
some of the world’s most prestigious international amateur
tournaments. In 2015, the native of Qurghonteppa, Tajikistan
made his professional debut, and in only his 11th fight as a
professional, he captured the IBO Super Featherweight Title
by scoring a sixth-round technical knockout over Emanuel
Lopez. He defended the title three times, and one of those
victories was against experienced contender Robinson “Robin
Hood” Castellanos. Though no longer holding the IBO belt, he
remains undefeated as he looks to capture a belt from one of
the four recognized sanctioning bodies.
“I’ve been waiting for this chance for a long time,”
Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov. “Thank you for this opportunity to my
team. My training camp is long one but very good. I will do
my best to win this fight. I came here for the victory!”
In the co-main event, Patrick Teixeira (31-1, 22 KOs) of Sau
Paulo, Brazil will make the first defense of his WBO Super
Junior Middleweight World Title against undefeated
challenger Brian “El Boxi” Castańo (16-0-1, 12 KOs) of
Buenos Aires, Argentina in a 12-round battle.
“I am very confident about this fight against Brian Castańo,”
said Patrick Teixeira. “I am ready to defeat him and keep my
title. The fight will be a war. It will be a bit show for
all the boxing fans.”
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