On Saturday, April 13 at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas’ beloved “Baby Bull,” former World Champion Juan Diaz, returns to the ring for the first time since 2010 to face Pipino Cuevas Jr. in the main event televised live on FOX Sports Networks.
A popular figure in his native Texas and around the globe, Houston’s Juan Diaz (35-4, 17 KO’s) made legions of fans not only for his all-action fighting style in the ring, but also for his class outside the ring, where he insisted on getting his college degree while still competing in the world’s toughest sport.
A former Unified Lightweight World Champion who held the title belts for nearly four years, defeating Acelino Freitas, Jose Cotto and Julio Diaz along the way, Diaz also went to battle with Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez, Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi and Michael Katsidis. Diaz retired from the game in 2010 following his rematch with Marquez in order to focus on his education and entrepreneurial endeavors. Now ready to make another run at a world title, the 29-year-old can’t wait to hear the bell ring once again.
Pipino Cuevas Jr. (16-9, 14 KO’s) is the son of the longtime WBA Welterweight World Champion and while he hasn’t been able to add a world title to the family’s trophy case yet, the 33-year-old from Mexico City has definitely inherited his father’s power, as evidenced by his 88% knockout percentage. The winner of two of his last three, Cuevas will look to make Diaz regret his decision to return to the ring on April 13.
This card is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Leija & Battah Promotions and sponsored by Corona. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. PT on fight night. The FOX Sports Networks telecast will air live at 10:00 p.m. ET. Tickets priced at $161, $152, $102, $47, $22 and $17 are available for purchase by calling Leija & Battah Promotions at 210-979-3302, at the American Bank Center Box Office, H-E-B Ticketmaster Outlets, and online at www.ticketmaster.com.
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It looks like Juan Diaz got the itch to return back to the ring. As far as I’ve heard, he’s not in any tough financial spot or anything, but he just misses fighting and competing professionally. It was a good time for him to leave before, though, as he got out early instead of sticking around for too long. We’ll see what his comeback is like and how far he tries to take it.
