17.01.05 – Juan Diaz on Spring 2005 college semester schedule: I will attend class from 5:00 – 8:15 pm on Wednesday. It is the first day of class for the semester so I don’t want to miss it. It is when you get to meet the teacher and he gets to meet you. I am taking three classes this semester… I plan on graduating 1 ½ to 2 years from now with a degree in political science. The kids in my class come up to me and say “Hey I saw you on TV.” Then they love to talk about boxing. I really don’t have much trouble finding study partners.
Juan Diaz on why he splits his time between boxing and college:
I could break my leg or my arm any day, then where will all of the millions be? Now I will always have my degree to fall back on.
Juan Diaz on his opponent, Billy Irwin:
Irwin is not going to be fighting like he’s 36. He’s going to be fighting like he’s 23 and this is going to be his last chance at a world title. So I have to be ready for that 23-year-old Irwin. I will come out strong, and if that doesn’t work I will try to outbox him with my jab.
Etienne on whether this fight is do-or-die:
I’m training with my trainer. I don’t believe in do-or-die. I don’t think this has anything to do with me dying, regardless of how the situation is. Saying do-or-die, I wouldn’t want to put that type of pressure on myself. I heard Calvin Brock talking about this and talking about that.
We are not going to even need a referee. This is old school. We are just going to get in the ring and fight. And when the smoke clears, I will be the last man standing.
Brock on Juan Diaz:
I give Juan a lot of credit. I went to school when I was an amateur. I couldn’t imagine going to college while fighting as a professional – and especially as a world champion and all of the pressures that come along with that.
Brock on preparing for Etienne:
I sparred with McCline for a week. I boxed southpaw for him. I used to fight southpaw back when. I didn’t have much of a hard time with him. He and Jimmy Glenn said I was the best work that Jameel had.
I was told, by my trainer that he (Etienne) is there to be hit. And if he is there to be hit then I should win the fight, because I don’t get hit.