Written by Scott Swerbinsky

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My cousin just continues to land big interviews for us from the worlds of boxing and MMA, and hands down, landed his biggest one for us this week when he had a chance to talk with Juan "The Baby Bull" Diaz.  The Baby Bull is the current lightweight champion of the world, stands at 33-0 with 19 KO's, and is one of the top pound for pound fighters in the entire sport.  Enjoy, as my cuz chats with one of boxings greatest as he prepares for his March 8th bout with Nate Campbell. Juan Diaz is the current Lightweight Champion of the world and sits at number seven on my pound for pound rankings. "The Baby Bull" holds an impressive 33-0 record with 17 by the way of knockout. His next fight will be March 8^th on the Samuel Peter versus Oleg Maskaev undercard. He will be taking on a 31-5 Nate Campbell. Diaz is in the middle of both training and college but still was kind enough to take some time and talk to me.

SS: First off Juan, thanks a lot for taking the time to speak with me. I know you're a busy guy, give me an update on what's going on.

JD: Well I'm still going to school , I'm taking 3 classes right now and training for Nate Campbell who I fight on March 8^th.

SS: What college are you attending and what's your major?

JD: I'm at the University of Houston downtown and my major is political science. I'll be graduating in December of this year. I'm getting tired of school and have to go in the summer also.

SS: How's the training going right now?

JD: It's going good. I'm working a lot of hand pads and working on my strategy.

SS: What's your thoughts on Nate Campbell?

JD: He's a multi-talented guy and will be ready to fight. He can either go toe to toe or sit back and box you.

SS: Who are some of the other fighters you would like to fight in the near future?

JD: Well, I've called out Manny Pacquiao already and that didn't work. Whoever they put in front of me I will fight and beat. Boxers today are trying to get big money and make sure their futures are set. In this sport, you just never know.

SS: You've had a great run as a pro fighter, how did you get into boxing to begin with?

JD: I actually started taking karate as a kid. My father was a boxing fanatic and started to train in that sport. I kept doing it, I liked it. I entered my first tournament at age 12.

SS: You also had a very impressive amateur record if I'm not mistaken.

JD: Yes, I have been very fortunate. I won that first tournament I entered. Overall, I entered 15 tournaments and have 13 gold medals and 2 silvers. My record as an amateur was 110-5.

SS: Who were some fighters you looked up to as a kid growing up?

JD: That's easy, Julio Cesar Chavez. My father is of Mexican heritage. I developed my style after his. Going forward, non-stop punching, and body punches.

SS: Right now, you're 33-0, what are your most memorable moments so far?

JD: My fight with Ubaldo Hernandez. I think it was 11^th fight. I was 18 years old and thought I was unstoppable. I got knocked down for the first time ever in the 2^nd round. I don't remember anything else after that. Everything bad that could have happened did, except I somehow won a close decision. It taught me not to ever underestimate anyone.  The other was becoming world champion in my hometown of Houston, Texas in 2004.

SS: As a fan, are there any guys you like to watch or fights you really remember enjoying?

JD: The three fights between Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera and the trilogy of Gatti and Ward. I like Ricky Hatton and his aggressive style.

SS: What fighters are on top of your pound for pound list?

JD: Kelly Pavlik, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto.

SS: What can we expect from you in the future?

JD: Well, I started fighting at age 8 and turned pro at 16. I plan to fight for 4 more years and then start law school.

SS: What do you want to accomplish in those next four years?

JD: I want to become the greatest Mexican Lightweight in the history of boxing. My best years are ahead of me. It's a big goal, but I think I can do it.

SS: Juan, it's truly been a pleasure talking to you. I've always been a big fan of your and will continue to follow your career. Thank you very much for talking with me.

JD: Thank you very much.