Olympian Jo-Jo Diaz Turns Pro Saturday!

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Michele Chong
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Catching Up With the Rising Star

2012 U.S. Olympian Joseph Diaz Jr. shadow boxes on Gene Blevins - Hoganphotos December 10, 2012 in Los Angeles, California during a media workout in preparation for his December 15, 2012 fight against Vicente Alfaro at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena which will be televised live on CBS. Photo by
2012 U.S. Olympian Joseph Diaz Jr. shadow boxes on Gene Blevins – Hoganphotos December 10, 2012 in Los Angeles, California during a media workout in preparation for his December 15, 2012 fight against Vicente Alfaro at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena which will be televised live on CBS. Photo by Gene Blevis- Hoganphotos

As a teenager, Joseph Diaz Jr. closed out his summer in London as a 2012 Olympian competing for Team USA.

Now the southpaw will make his pro debut THIS Saturday, December 15 at the L.A. Memorial Sports Arena on a special Golden Boy Promotions card which air live on CBS (the network’s first live fight in 15 years). Jo-Jo’s bout will be on the afternoon show with the nighttime event featuring the Showtime Amir Khan-Carlos Molina clash.jojo1

For Team Diaz, Jo-Jo’s debut will be a memorable occasion as the South El Monte hero will have a spirited legion of loyal fans in the stands. Since he was a highly-decorated amateur, I’ve personally watched Diaz, now 20, come up through the amateur ranks as he won bout after bout, championship belts galore, all while earning a spot on the Olympic team. Before his London stint, he was also a member of the L.A. Matadors Boxing Team. He was a huge star in USA Boxing and his supporters believe he can make a seamless transition in the professional ranks.

While the men did not medal in the Summer Games, the majority of the fighters on Team USA have now turned pro, including Jo-Jo.

Now 20 years old, the slugger is trained by his father, Joseph Diaz Sr. out of Ben Lira’s South El Monte Boxing Club.

Yesterday, the team participated in the media workout with the super bantamweight on the brink of turning pro.

With the sport always needing fresh new talents, the likable Jo-Jo has skills to match. He has a strong family unit with his parents Joe and Valerie, two sisters, brother-in-law and many other family members.

In a recent video interview with the rising star, I caught up with Jo-Jo to get his thoughts on what the Olympics meant to him, what the future holds for him, and how his hometown’s support buoys his performances.

Diaz has set his goals on someday fighting for a world title and the hardworking athlete promises to keep his dreams alive.

joshepI also asked the young buck who his dream opponents would be in the future, if he could fight anyone?

“Abner Mares, Nonito Donaire and Yuriorkis Gamboa (if he doesn’t keep moving up)!” Diaz quickly answered with a smile.

“I’m going to be a World Champion someday,” he states, with his aim intact.

Jo-Jo’s new pro journey begins THIS Saturday.

Keep your eye on Joseph Diaz Jr. as he fights his way to the top.

Jo-Jo Diaz Interview Link:

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Michele Chong
Michele Chong
Michele Chong has been involved in the sport of boxing for over a decade. Her “Chatter Box” column covers a variety of subjects in both professional and amateur boxing, and features exclusive one-on-one interviews, recaps of fight events, shows and tournaments, book/film reviews and much more. Inducted into the California Boxing Hall of Fame in 2008, she is also a member of the World Boxing Hall of Fame, Golden State Boxer’s Association and the Burbank Boxing Club. Michele is also involved in many non-profit and charitable organizations.
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