The Rio Grande Valley was put on the world's boxing map when Weslaco native Omar Firugeroa captured the WBC lightweight title in 2013, dropping Nihito Arakawa multiple times and pummeling him on his way to taking a lopsided unanimous decision. His fan-friendly style captured the attention of the boxing community and then the emergence of his brother Brandon Figueroa and emerging contender and WBC international champ Omar Juarez established "The Valley" as one of boxing's premier hotbeds.
The RGV may have its next superstar on the rise already. 18-year-old "Unknown Warrior" Fabian Diaz has emerged as a must-see prospect in the 135 and 140-pound weight classes. He is about to be "Unknown" to the rest of the boxing world no more. His style, speed, power, and overall explosiveness remind one so much of Teofimo Lopez at this same stage of his development. The similarities between the two stylistically can not be denied. Diaz a quintessential boxer-puncher, sports the complete package. A good job, excellent footwork, incredible physical strength, speed, and explosive combination punchin
Diaz, who hails from Edinburg, is a former US national champ who decided to turn pro earlier this summer when he was offered the opportunity to fight on the undercard of Magsayo-Vargas in the Alamodome after winning the WBC Amature Green Belt. He made his pro debut a successful one. Absolutely demolishing an outmatched Julio Gomez over four one-sided rounds. He picked up Saturday night where he left off. Picking up his second career win in his second professional bout. This time in front of his hometown fans in the Rio Grande Valley at the Payne Arena in Hidalgo.
The Unknown Warrior looked even more impressive this time out. A second-generation fighter, who looks to be learning quickly under the tutelage of his dad, former professional fighter Rene Diaz, the younger Diaz showed a complete bag in disposing of a rugged and determined opponent in Jesus Maldonado of Laredo. In the opening moments of the bout, an explosive Daiz ripped off a vicious right hand that sent Maldonado staggering into the ropes and followed up moments later with an explosive three-punch combination that left Maldonado not wanting to test the power of Diaz again. The Edinburg native spent the next three rounds showing off just how complete his bag is. Landing lead hooks and lead uppercuts with laser-like precision and shotgun-like force, snapping back the head of Maldonado. Diaz finished in sensational fashion, scoring with another lightning-quick three-punch combination to seal the deal in style. Diaz picked up another unanimous decision victory and again won every round on every judge's scorecard, 40-36 all on three cards.
Diaz showed improved patience and combination punching from his already highly impressive pro debut. He hopes to be back in the ring by November.