by Suge Green | Mon. June 21, 2010
Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz is picking Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. to defeat Ireland's John Duddy at the Alamodome Saturday. Diaz gave ONTHEGRiND BOXiNG a very candid interview that touched on everything from his being a chubby kid getting beat up, all the way through becoming unified Lightweight Champion of the World and up to his current training camp for his rematch with Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez.. Another OtG instant classic, check the archives.
Donyil Livingston says he's ready to work his way to the top now. Livingston, a 1-0 recently debuted professional, has faced several of the top pros operating around 168lbs. while collecting championships during his stellar amateur career. Livingston's pro debut was delayed for a few years while he took a hiatus from the sport in order to acquire the fire needed to become a world champion. The California prospect is currently a promotional free agent.
Jose Benavidez Sr. is impressed with the progress of both "Irish Lightning" Dean Byrne and Jose Benavidez Jr. at the Wild Card Gym. Benavidez Jr. became the 141lbs. National Golden Gloves Champion at 16-years-old and has been turning the heads of boxing insiders ever since. Benavidez Sr. brought his son to Wild Card Gym from the Benavidez' home in Arizona and hasn't looked back. They relocated in order to train with Freddie Roach, who Benavidez Sr. assists with his son. The tremendous amount of respect and gratitude Benavidez Sr. has for Roach is obvious, as the father and son tandem make the best of their once in a lifetime opportunity.
Natasha Aiello, ONTHEGRiND BOXiNG's Los Angeles Correspondent said, "I've never seen Freddie so excited about a prospect."