DiBella Entertainment and Jean Pascal Promotions have announced that they will be joining promotional forces, beginning with the exclusive signing of highly regarded super featherweight Joel Diaz Jr. (15-0, 12KO’s). Diaz Jr. had received offers from every major promotional outfit in boxing, but decided that DBE and Jean Pascal were the best fit. Diaz is set to make his much anticipated co-promotional debut when he headlines the upcoming May 16th ShoBox: The New Generation card at the Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Connecticut.
“I am thrilled to be signing with DBE and Jean Pascal Promotions. This is where I belong and this is the promotional team that will get me the opportunities that I want and need in my career. I couldn’t be happier to be joining their stables and I’m looking forward to becoming their next world champion,” said Diaz Jr.
“I am excited to be working with Joel Diaz Jr., who I consider to be one of the brightest young stars in all of boxing. This collaboration with Jean Pascal Promotions will increase Joel’s exposure and allow him to be promoted in an unprecedented way throughout all of North America,” said Lou DiBella.
“I have been a big fan of Joel Diaz Jr. ever since I saw him fight Guy Robb. The way he responded to adversity in that fight at just 19 years old really showed me something. I’m extremely proud that he is the first fighter to sign with Jean Pascal Promotions. I look forward to working with DiBella Entertainment on this international co-promotion and expect this to be the first of many deals that our two companies make,” said Jean Pascal.
“It was a pleasure to negotiate this deal with DiBella Entertainment, Joel and his manager Mike Criscio. Jean Pascal Promotions would like to thank Gordon Hall, Stephen Espinoza and everyone at Showtime for giving Joel Diaz Jr. another ShoBox date. We at Jean Pascal Promotions have no doubt that Joel will be graduating toward Championship Boxing dates and world title opportunities in the near future and are expecting a historical run to commence on May 16 at Foxwoods,” said Greg Leon, CEO of Jean Pascal Promotions.
“Joel Diaz Jr. is one of the best young fighters in the world. He is now starting to come into his own and I expect him to be a world champion by the end of next year. I would like to thank DiBella Entertainment, Jean Pascal Promotions and Greg Leon for making this deal possible. We feel very comfortable working with everyone, now it’s time to bring Joel Diaz Jr. to the next level,” said manager Mike Criscio.
Diaz is set to take on once-beaten prospect Tyler Asselstine in the 10-round main event live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) on May 16 at the beautiful Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Mashantucket, CT.
