by James Slater: Former IBF lightweight king Julio Diaz is getting ready to take his first fight back after losing to Juan Diaz in their big 135 pound unification clash that took place in October of last year. That all-action affair saw Julio lose his title to his namesake after eight exciting rounds. “The Kidd” was forced to quit on his stool at the start of the 9th round, and Juan Diaz was the new WBA, WBO and IBF lightweight champion..
Now, this June 25th, in Beverly Hills, California, Julio has his first fight back after losing his title. Taking on Oxnard’s 29 year old Rolando Reyes, the 28 year old Mexican will be looking to get his career back on track. Reyes will be no pushover, though. Currently 29-4-2(19), Reyes has never been stopped. Also, in his last fight, which also took place back in October of 2007, Reyes stopped former world lightweight champ Stevie “Lil’ But Bad” Johnston via a ten round retirement. That was a decent win to say the least for Reyes, and now he will be looking to end the comeback hopes of Diaz.
Reyes has mixed in very good company throughout his career. Facing guys like Jose Luis Castillo – L12, Courtney Burton – W TKO8, and Johnston among others, the 29 year old is proven world class material. Can Julio Diaz beat him as he returns to the ring as an ex-champion?
Diaz, in comparison to Reyes, has been stopped – some three times. Castillo stopped him in ten rounds, Juan Valenzuela shocked him in just one round back in 2002, and last time out Juan Diaz made him quit after eight rounds. It looks clear to me that his first fight back this coming June is no formality. That said, Diaz is a good fighter. With wins over Jesus Chavez, Courtney Burton and Ricky Quiles to his name, the 28 year old is obviously talented. But how will he look coming back after his heartbreaking loss to that other fellow named Diaz?
This is very much a make or break fight for Julio. If he comes unstuck against Reyes – which is a distinct possibility – where does he go from there? Indeed, credit must be given to Julio for not opting to return to the ring against a soft touch. With his 19 KO wins and no stoppages suffered himself, Rolando Reyes is anything but a soft touch. I pretty much make June 25th’s fight a pick ’em affair.