MIAMI, FL (April 30, 2007) — Linear world lightweight champion JOEL CASAMAYOR was thrilled to see undefeated World Boxing Association lightweight champion JUAN DIAZ unify the lightweight belts when he forced World Boxing Organization titleist Acelino Freitas to quit again, last Saturday, at Foxwoods Resort Casino. “Diaz stepped up and fought a great fight taking the first step in unifying the title,” said Casamayor. “Now he needs to complete the mission by going mano-a-mano with me to determine the TRUE lightweight champion. My belt from The Ring magazine — the only belt that you can’t lose outside the ring to politics, and can only win inside the ropes –against Juan’s WBA and WBO straps..
” I am the TRUE linear champion. I wear the belt that has only been worn by the REAL lightweight champions, champions like Benny Leonard, Barney Ross, Henry Armstrong, Beau Jack, Bob Montgomery and Roberto Duran. Let’s see if young Diaz wants to graduate to my level of championship education.”
Casamayor, (34-3-1, 21 KOs), the former WBA super featherweight champion and a 1992 Olympic gold medalist from Cuba, captured The Ring and the World Boxing Council lightweight titles when he won a split decision over defending champion Diego Corrales, October 7, 2006.
“From what I understand, now that Juan is considered a super champion by the WBA and the WBO, he is free from immediate mandatory defense obligations so why not go for the gusto and make this great fight now,” said Gary Shaw, who co-promotes Casamayor with Luis DeCubas. “Juan looked superb against a great champion and he gave boxing fans a great fight. Now let’s move forward and finally unify this title once and for all with the two best in the division. Boxing deserves it and so do these two great champions.”
“We welcome the chance to sit down with Don King, Juan’s promoter, and make this fight a reality as soon as possible,” said DeCubas.