Undefeated featherweight Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz Jr. (18-0, 10 KOs) will make his fifth appearance at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Friday, December 18, in a 10-round featherweight main event against Mexico City, Mexico’s Hugo “Olimpico” Partida (20-6-2, 15 KOs).
“Joseph ‘Jo Jo’ Diaz Jr. is on his way to stardom and this title shot on December 18 is a great way for him to close out a spectacular year of fights he had in 2015,” said Oscar De La Hoya, chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Joseph is, without a doubt, a future star for the sport. This title shot is a big opportunity that can take him to the next level, something he has worked hard for and undoubtedly has deserved.”
Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado (22-5, 15 KOs) from Managua, Nicaragua will take on Andrew Cancio (15-3-2, 11 KOs) from Blythe, California, in the 10-round featherweight co-main event of the night. Opening up the Estrella TV broadcast, Chinese heavyweight sensation Taishan (5-0, 3KOs) 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.
Making the move from prospect to contender, Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. has been a steady performer who impresses every time he steps between the ropes. This year, the former member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic boxing team has taken his game to the next level with wins over Juan Luis Hernandez, Giovanni Delgado and Rene Alvarado, and if he is victorious on Dec. 18, the 22-year-old southpaw will claim his first title since turning pro almost three years ago.
Hailing out of Mexico City, Mexico, Hugo “Olímpico” Partida is seasoned fighter ready to add a victory to his record in his second scheduled fight of 2015. A professional since 2005, Partida has fought for the regional IBF Inter-Continental Super Bantamweight title, the WBC Continental Americans Super Bantamweight title, the WBC Youth World Featherweight Title and has retained and defended the WBC Fecarbox Super Bantamweight title. Partida was most recently seen in the ring going up against Julian “El Camaron” Ramirez on Oct. 3 and will be looking to redeem himself when he faces Daiz Jr. on Dec. 18.
Born and raised in Managua, Nicaragua, Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado has been fighting professionally since 2008 and is a former Nicaraguan super bantamweight titleholder. Since moving up to the featherweight division in 2013, he has continued to shine despite losing a notable decision to Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. in July 2015. Coming off of a first round technical knockout victory in Nicaragua, Alvarado has his sights set on a world championship.
Blythe, CA native Andrew “Chango” Cancio made his professional debut in 2006, remaining undefeated for ten bouts before his first lost. Cancio’s power has brought him eleven of fifteen wins by way of knockout, a strength he hopes to bring into his matchup with Rene Alvarado. This matchup is Cancio’s first fight in 2015 since a unanimous decision loss to Ronny Rios. Cancio hopes to revive his career with a win and pursue his goal of becoming a featherweight world champion.
Hailing from Beijing, seven-foot heavyweight Taishan, has captured the imagination of boxing fans both in China and in his adopted home in California. After turning professional in 2014 and scoring two quick knockouts, the 26-year-old showed that he has what it takes to win over the distance, as he scored a near-shutout victory over Roy McCrary in February of 2015 and had a unanimous victory over Jamal Woods on May 9. The heavyweight is eager to continue his winning streak when he fights at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino for the fourth time on Dec. 18.
Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, Mexico heavyweight product Daniel Arambula started his career strong defeating three opponents before suffering his first loss via unanimous decision in his U.S debut. Looking to get back into the win column, Arambula is motivated to put his skills on display and redeem himself on American soil against
