Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz Jr. (18-0, 10 KOs) and Chinese heavyweight sensation Taishan (5-0, 3KOs) hosted a Los Angeles media workout ahead of their upcoming fights at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Friday, Dec. 18.
Credit: Golden Boy
Credit: Golden Boy
Credit: Golden Boy
Credit: Golden Boy
Below is what the fighters had to say at today’s workout:
JOSEPH DIAZ JR., Undefeated Featherweight Contender:
“It’s a dream come true, and I am so blessed by God to be living in Los Angeles, where I’ve had more opportunities than elsewhere. This fight has the potential to open a lot of doors for me if I get that title. My opponent is very durable, and he’s strong, but I’m very focused and my training camp has been dedicated to make sure we bring a great performance.
“I feel like I am in the spotlight right now so I need to keep on working hard and improving and progressing. I use that a motivation every single day when I wake up.
“I’m looking to land some vicious body shots during this fight.
“I’m the next big thing in my weight class and I want to take care of business.”
RAFEAL GRAMAJO, Super Bantamweight Prospect:
“I love boxing. I am someone who can adapt to any opponents fighting skills, and I train not just physically but emotionally. I don’t have to study other fighters because I know that I can prepare enough to psych them out.”
Diaz Jr. will fight in a 10-round featherweight main event against Mexico City, Mexico’s Hugo “Olimpico” Partida (20-6-2, 15 KOs) for the vacant NABF featherweight title live on Boxeo Estelar on Estrella TV. Taishan will make his fourth appearance at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in a four-round heavyweight bout against an opponent Daniel Arambula (3-1 1 KO) of Guadalajara, Mexico.
Also set for Dec. 18, Nicaraguan featherweight standout Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado (22-5, 15 KOs) will work to end the year on a high note against Andrew Cancio (15-3-2, 11 KOs) from Blythe, California, and unbeaten Chinese heavyweight sensation Taishan (5-0, 3KOs) will fight in a four-round heavyweight bout against Daniel Arambula (3-1 1 KO) of Guadalajara, Mexico.
Heading up the undercard in a six-round super welterweight bout against an opponent to be named, Oscar Torres (7-0, 4 KOs) has fight fans buzzing about his potential in a tough weight class. A native of Colombia now making his home in Los Angeles, Torres has shown off impressive power and tenacity in the ring thus far, and he’s expecting to close out the year on a winning note once more.
Already making noise with his exciting performances at Fantasy Springs, 25-year-old Rafael Gramajo (5-1-1, 2 KOs)will make his third appearance at the venue in a six-round super bantamweight bout against Michael Gaxiola (4-4) of Modesto, Calif. After a 1-1-1 start to his career, Gramajo has won four straight bouts and most recently decisioned Adrian Rodriguez in September.
An intriguing heavyweight matchup will make its way to Indio on December 18, as Boston’s Donnie Palmer (6-1-1, 6 KOs) faces Lansing, Michigan’s Tommy Washington (6-7, 2 KOs) in a six-round bout. Palmer has not let any of his victories go to the judges’ scorecards, and he’ll be looking for a similar result against the surging Washington, who has won three in a row.
In super lightweight action scheduled for four rounds, the latest member of the fighting Magdaleno clan to enter the pro boxing game, Indio’s own Marco Magdaleno (1-0, 1 KO), looks for his second consecutive win against debuting Los Angeles native Jonathan Rosales.
And in the four-round super welterweight opener, Coachella’s Jon Jon Dinong will make his pro debut against Ft. Smith, Arkansas’ Deartie Tucker (2-3, 2 KOs).
