Expert Sports Picks: Saturday night featherweight contender Jayson Velez will battle with undefeated contender Joseph Diaz Jr. on HBO Boxing. The durable 28-year old Velez, 23-1-1, 16 KO’s, will be making his second appearance on HBO Boxing against the southpaw Diaz, 19-0, 11 KO’s. The Puerto Rican pug is coming off a hard fought loss to contender Ronny Rios but will be fighting for the vacant N.A.B.F. title against Diaz. Can Velez pull off a signature win against Diaz as a 5 to 1 boxing odds underdog? ESPN2 News had a chance to catch up with the hard-hitting contender before Saturday’s bout with Diaz. Joseph Diaz Jr. vs Jayson Velez Odds have Velez as a +300 moneyline underdog (Bet $100 to win $300) at BOVADA.LV
Q: When did you start boxing? Why?
A: I walked into a gym when I was 11 years old looking to learn Karate but my trainer told me that they didn’t teach Karate they taught boxing. I asked what was boxing because I didn’t even know what it was.
Q: This weekend you fight Joseph Diaz Jr. who is an aggressive fighter similar to Evgeny Gradovich who you fought to a draw in your last appearance on HBO Boxing. What is the gameplan against Diaz?
A: I will try to apply pressure against Diaz. I am the bigger, more powerful guy and I will try to impose my size on him. He has the edge in speed over me but he is much smaller framed and we plan on breaking him down. He is a good fighter with a strong amateur pedigree but my power will make a difference.
Q: How was your training camp? Who were you sparring with in preparation for Diaz?
A: I sparred mostly with Angel Suarez, 4-2, 1 KO’s (243-65 amateur record). I also did some sparring with Orlando Cruz, 23-4-1, 11 KO’s. But mostly I sparred with Suarez and he is an excellent fighter.
Q: What fighters did you look up to when you were young?
A: Oscar De La Hoya vs Tito Trinidad was the first fight that I ever saw as a kid. Tito was the first fighter I ever idolized but I learned about Wilfredo Benitez and Alfonso “Bazooka” Gomez. I really looked up to Oscar as a kid and also Julio Cesar Chavez.
Q: What is your best punch?
A: Left Hook
Q: What did you learn from your loss to Ronny Rios, 25-1, 10 KO’s?
A: I learned alot. It made me reset my career and change up my team. I left my trainer Abel Sanchez and linked up with Jose Sanchez who trained flyweight champion Ivan Calderon, 35-3, 6 KO’s. We have worked on improving my defense and stamina. Everyday he challenges me with something new in the gym. It has been great because I am working on things in the gym that I have never done before. I have also worked on my strength and conditioning with Angel Cotto.
Q:What qualities as a fighter do you feel will make you a champion?
A: I train harder than anyone. I have speed and power. I can fight in any style. My discipline also separates me because I do everything I have to do. I have also been fortunate enough to train with and around tremendous fighters who have shown me alot. I have lots of experience.
Q: What are your goals for your boxing career?
A: I want to be a remembered as one of the all-time great Puerto Rican fighters. I want to win titles in different weight classes. I want to fight the best in the world and make money. I want to retire wealthy and healthy.
Joseph Diaz Jr. vs Jayson Velez Odds have Diaz as a -500 moneyline favorite (Bet $500 to win $100) at BOVADA.LV
