“Pitufo” ready to go in March
Top Rank said earlier today that Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz is set to return to the ring following his dominant third round stoppage win over Bryant Cruz on the undercard of Lomachenko/Rigondeaux, December 9th on ESPN.
The 23-year-old Puerto Rican has been confirmed to return on the undercard of the title fight between Jose Ramírez and Amir Imam on March 17th on ESPN at the Madison Square Garden Theater in New York City.
“It will be my fifth time in that place. The public identifies with me a lot,” Diaz said.
Diaz will be on the same card as his former gym mate Felix Verdejo. Diaz left trainer RickyMarquez priorto his last fight butsaid him and Verdejo are still on great terms.The two have been on the same card several times in the past, but this time around it’s Diaz that is riding a big wave of momentum.
“Felix and I are brothers,” he said. “I always have him tied to my heart. That night we will both shine. He will resume where he left off and he’ll continue to fight.”
Diaz who won the vacant WBO NABO title with the win over Cruz has arguably supplanted Verdejo as Puerto Rico’s hottest prospect. While Verdejo has struggled at times, had injuries or joyriding mishaps overthe last 18 months, Diaz has continued to improve and climb through the rankings.
By: Chris Henderson
