Introduction
Joel Díaz (born February 18, 1973 in Jiquilpan, Michoacán, Mexico) is a retired Mexican-American professional boxer, who fought in the Lightweight division. He is currently considered one of the best trainers in boxing. He is also the brother of Antonio Díaz and former-World Champion Julio Díaz.
Professional career
In August 1992, Díaz beat the former IBF Champion Julio César Borboa.
IBF Lightweight Championship
On October 19, 1996, Joel lost a twelve round decision to undefeated IBF Lightweight champion Philip Holiday in Wembley Indoor Arena, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.
His last bout ever would be a knockout win over the veteran José Luis Montes. This win made Díaz the number one rated contender and mandatory to then WBC Lightweight champion, Stevie Johnston. Due to a detached retina that left him blind from one eye Joel retired from boxing.
Training career
Díaz has worked as a trainer for years. Some of the notable fighters who have trained under Díaz include, Antonio Díaz, Julio Díaz, Timothy Bradley, Abner Mares, Vicente Escobedo, UFC fighter Cub Swanson and Ruslan Provodnikov.
Boxers Trained
- Antonio Díaz, former International Boxing Association Light Welterweight and WBO Latino Light Middleweight Champion.
- Ruslan Provodnikov, former WBO junior welterweight champion
- Julio Díaz, former IBF Lightweight Champion.
- Timothy Bradley, former two-time WBC and WBO Light Welterweight and former WBO Welterweight Champion
- Abner Mares, former IBF Bantamweight, former WBC Super Bantamweight former WBC Featherweight Champion.
- Vicente Escobedo, title contender and Olympic boxer for the U.S. in 2004.
- Diego De La Hoya, an undefeated Mexican professional boxer in the Featherweight division. De la Hoya represented Mexico in international tournaments and was one of the top rated Featherweights in his country.boxer signed to Oscar de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions.
- Omar Figueroa, an undefeated Lightweight boxer signed to Oscar de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions.
- Mike Noriega, Light Welterweight boxer.
- Jamie Kavanagh, Irish Lightweight boxer signed to Golden Boy Promotions.