WBO #6 Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz and WBO Latino Champion Luis “Popeye” Lebrón ready for fights this Sat.

With five fights and the world ranked Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz and Luis “Popeye” Lebrón in the main bouts, this Saturday, November 24, returns the series “Sabado de Campeones en Casino Metro Boxing Nights”, to take place in the San Juan Ballroom at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino in San Juan, in a presentation of PR Best Boxing Promotions (PRBBP), in association with Spartan Boxing and Top Rank, to be broadcast live on Wapa Deportes.

“This is going to be our second event of the year (at the Sheraton), this promises to be much better than the previous one, it’s a very important date and we are very excited about this great event, in which we have world-class fighters,” said promoter Iván Rivera, president of PRBBP.

Casino Metro General Manager Ismael Vega said that “for Casino Metro it is an honor to be associated with the Rivera brothers, there will be many more events, and I am very excited about what comes with Casino Metro Boxing Nights.”

In the main event of the evening, Barranquitas native Pitufo Diaz (23-1, 15 kos), who comes from a defeat in July on dispute of the WBO world title in 130 pounds against the Japanese Masayuki Ito, will fight with the Hungarian David Berna (17-5, 16 kos) to 10 rounds and 127 pounds. Diaz, 23, is ranked sixth by the WBO at 126 pounds right now.

“I come from a loss in a 130-pound title fight, it was a great experience, you learn a lot more about the loss, we’re two or three bouts before the world title fight, early or mid-next year I’m going to be world champion,” said Diaz, who has not fought in Puerto Rico since February 2017.

His opponent, Berna, indicated, through his interpreter and trainer Zoltan Petranyi, that “I am grateful for the opportunity, I come to fight, that is my plan”.

In the co-main event, the WBO Latino monarch in 126 pounds, Popeye Lebrón (13-0-1, 7 kos), will defend for the second time his belt against the Mexican Luis May (21-10-1, 8 kos) 10 rounds. In his last bout, Lebrón, who will fight for the fifth time in 2018, won by technical knockout over Darryl Hayes on September 1st.

“I am happy and grateful, we have worked with conscience, it is going to be a fight that will be a war, come to see a great fight,” said Lebrón, ranked 12 by the WBO at 126 pounds.

While, May said that “I come to represent my country proudly, we know about the rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico and this war it will not be the exception, there will be war, I am going to give everything”.

The undercard have Puerto Rican descent, Joseph Adorno (10-0, 9 kos), making his debut in the Island, when he faces Mexican Luis Gerardo Avila (6-14-3, 3 kos) in 130 pounds and six rounds; in the same weight and also to six rounds, the unbeaten Henry “Moncho” Lebrón (6-0, 4 kos) will face the Hungarian Mark Szoros (5-4, 3 kos). Meanwhile, in a four rounds bout, undefeated boxers Patrik Cora (3-0, 3 kos) and Alfredo Mejías (3-0, 1 kos) will face each other at 154 pounds.

Wapa Deportes live broadcast will start at 9:00 p.m.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Masayuki Ito traveled halfway around the world, and he will return home a world champion. Ito, from Tokyo, defeated Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz via unanimous decision (116-111, 117-110, 118-109) at the Kissimmee Civic Center in a pitched affair to win the vacant WBO junior lightweight world championship.

Ito (24-1-1, 12 KOs) knocked down Diaz (23-1, 15 KOs) in the fourth round and controlled the tempo of the fight, becoming the sixth current male world champion from Japan. Ito, who was fighting for the first time outside of Japan, was not fazed by the pro-Diaz crowd.

“I believe in myself. I knew I was going to become a world champion, and that is exactly what happened,” Ito said. “Since the beginning of the fight ,I knew I had more power and I dropped him. In my mind, I kept saying that it was a close fight and that is why I kept going for the knockout.

“I knew that this was going to be a good fight, and I respect Diaz for coming ready to fight. He is a warrior. This is a dream come true for me. Now, I want bigger fights”

Said Diaz: “This does not end here. I am going to return with more strength and with more hunger. I have a promise to fulfill. I am going to be a world champion. I promise you that.”

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (July 26, 2018) – Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz (23-0, 15 KOs) will have the crowd on his side Saturday evening at the Kissimmee Civic Center when he takes on Japan’s Masayuki Ito (23-1-1) for the vacant WBO junior lightweight title.

Kissimmee is home to a large Puerto Rican population, and Diaz is seeking to become the fifth current male world champion from the “Island of Enchantment.”

Ito, who has fought solely in Japan as a professional, will look to become the ninth 130-pound world champion in the rich fighting history of his homeland.

Diaz-Ito and the 10-round welterweight showdown between Artemio Reyes and Gabriel Bracero will stream live and exclusively in the United States at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+, with undercard action set for 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+. Also in action will be middleweight contender Esquiva Falcao (20-0, 14 KOs), who will face Jonathan Tavira (16-5, 12 KOs) in a 10-rounder.

Diaz and Ito crossed paths for the first time Thursday at the final press conference. This is what they, and many of the other fighters on Saturday’s card, had to say.

Christopher Diaz

“I never expected to be at this point in my career. I had my pro debut in 2013, and I didn’t even know that I was going to get to 10-0, 20-0. And I never expected to be fighting for a world title. But my hard work every day, my anger, my passion for this sport, made me be here for this opportunity. I think nobody is going to take that out of me, and I feel so good. It’s a moment. It’s one more fight. I know Ito is a great fighter. I’ve been working for 15 years to now for this opportunity.”

“{My fans} know that I always make a war. I know Masayuki Ito is going to come to give me a war. That’s the kind of fight that I want for the fans.”

Masayuki Ito

“Thanks for giving me the opportunity to fight here. Also, I appreciate Top Rank, All Star Boxing, and Teiken Promotions. I did not have enough English training, but I did have hard training in boxing every day. I promise I’ll show a very good fight on Saturday night.”

# # #

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with All Star Boxing and Teiken Promotions, remaining tickets to this world championship event, priced at $100 (red carpet ringside), $50 (lower bowl), and $30 (general admission), may be purchased at the Kissimmee Civic Center box office, online at ticketerapr.com, or charge by phone at (787) 305-3600.

For more information visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook:facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, facebook.com/espndeportes; Twitter:twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, @ESPN @ESPNBoxeo,@ESPNDeportes. Use the hashtag #DiazIto to join the conversation on social media.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the first-ever multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN. ESPN+ offers fans two exclusive, original boxing programs: The Boxing Beat with Dan Rafael (Tuesdays, weekly) and In This Corner (twice monthly). In addition to boxing content, fans can watch thousands of additional live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks. This includes hundreds of MLB, NHL and MLS games, Grand Slam tennis, Top Rank boxing, PGA TOUR golf, college sports, international rugby, cricket, the full library of ESPN Films (including 30 for 30) and more. Fans can subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

Media Workout Notes & Quotes: Christopher Diaz and Masayuki Ito to Battle for Vacant WBO 130-Pound Title

LIVE on Saturday at Kissimmee Civic Center, 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+

Kissimmee, Fla. (July 25, 2018) – Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz (23-0, 15 KOs) is proud of his Puerto Rican heritage and is acutely aware of his homeland’s rich fighting history. Diaz, who fights Masayuki Ito (23-1-1, 12 KOs) on Saturday at the Kissimmee Civic Center for the vacant WBO junior lightweight world title, is hoping to become the fifth current male world champion from the “Island of Enchantment.”

At the Kissimmee Boxing Gym, this is what they had to say.

Christopher Diaz

On Fighting For His First World Title – “I worked hard for this. This is my moment, and nobody is going to take away from me what I know is mine. That vacant title has a first name and last name on it. That name is Christopher Diaz.”

About Fighting in Kissimmee, Fla. – “I’m super happy and excited about returning to fight in Kissimmee. Here, I feel like I’m at home. I come ready to give my fans a great fight.”

Masayuki Ito

On Fighting Outside of Japan – “I do not care about where I’ll be fighting. Inside the ring, it will only be him, me, and the referee. Nobody else.”

On What He Expects from Diaz – “I’m ready for a war. I’m here to win round by round. I’m ready for a toe to toe fight. I’m going for the knockout. I’m taking the title with me to Japan.”

# # #

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with All Star Boxing and Teiken Promotions, remaining tickets to this world championship event, priced at $100 (red carpet ringside), $50 (lower bowl), and $30 (general admission), may be purchased at the Kissimmee Civic Center box office, online at ticketerapr.com, or charge by phone at (787) 305-3600.

For more information visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook:facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, facebook.com/espndeportes; Twitter:twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, @ESPN @ESPNBoxeo,@ESPNDeportes. Use the hashtag #DiazIto to join the conversation on social media.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the first-ever multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN. ESPN+ offers fans two exclusive, original boxing programs: The Boxing Beat with Dan Rafael (Tuesdays, weekly) and In This Corner (twice monthly). In addition to boxing content, fans can watch thousands of additional live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks. This includes hundreds of MLB, NHL and MLS games, Grand Slam tennis, Top Rank boxing, PGA TOUR golf, college sports, international rugby, cricket, the full library of ESPN Films (including 30 for 30) and more. Fans can subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

Kissimmee, Fla. (July 20, 2018) — Undefeated Puerto Rican contender Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz exudes confidence just days away from his first world title opportunity. He is a student of Puerto Rico’s rich boxing lineage, and he will do whatever it takes to fulfill his dream of adding his name to the long list of world champions from the ‘Island of Enchantment.’

Diaz will fight Japanese veteran Masayuki Ito for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior lightweight title on July 28 at the Kissimmee Civic Center.

“It’s time to show the world what I’m made of. Being able to fight for a world title is the dream of every boxer,” Diaz said. “I am prepared for my first chance to win a world title because I’ve been through many years of sacrifices, and I have waited all my life for this moment. Now the moment is here. I’m hungry and focused. On July 28, Puerto Rico will have a new world champion.”

Diaz (23-0, 15 KOs), from Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, is entering his first world title match riding a four-bout knockout streak. The WBO’s No. 1 junior lightweight contender, Diaz won the vacant NABO junior lightweight title last December with a third-round knockout of Bryant Cruz, knocking Cruz down five times en route to the stoppage. In his last bout, March 17 on the Jose Ramirez-Amir Imam undercard at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, Diaz defeated Braulio Rodriguez via fourth-round TKO to earn the shot at the world title. For Diaz, this world title opportunity is a beacon of hope, as his home and most of his possessions were destroyed when Hurricane Maria ravaged Puerto Rico last year.

“I have a tough fight against Masayuki Ito, but I am very focused. I know I have all of Puerto Rico in my corner,” Diaz said. “Without the support of my people, none of this would be possible. Thank you for always supporting me and sending me positive vibes. On July 28, my mission will be to bring the world title to the island.”

Ito (23-1-1, 12 KOs), from Tokyo, is the WBO’s No. 2 junior lightweight contender. He has won seven consecutive bouts since the lone defeat of his career, a 10-round majority decision to then-undefeated Rikki Naito in February 2015. Ito, who has fought all of his professional bouts in Japan, has won four of his past five bouts via knockout, including a ninth-round stoppage of Lorenzo Villanueva in April of last year. In his last bout, on March 3 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Ito stopped Vergil Puton in the ninth round.

Diaz-Ito will stream live and exclusively in the United States at 9:30 ET on ESPN+ — the recently-launched multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN. Undercard bouts will stream live on ESPN+ beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET. ESPN+ is available to all fans on the ESPN App and ESPN.com.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with All Star Boxing and Teiken Promotions, remaining tickets to this world championship event priced at $100 (red carpet ringside), $50 (lower bowl), and $30 (general admission), may be purchased at the Kissimmee Civic Center box office, online at ticketerapr.com, or charge by phone at (787) 305-3600.

For more information visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, facebook.com/espndeportes; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, @ESPN @ESPNBoxeo,@ESPNDeportes. Use the hashtag #DiazIto to join the conversation on social media.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the first-ever multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN. ESPN+ offers fans two exclusive, original boxing programs The Boxing Beat with Dan Rafael (Tuesdays, weekly) and In This Corner (twice monthly). In addition to boxing content, fans can watch thousands of additional live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks. This includes hundreds of MLB, NHL and MLS games, Grand Slam tennis, Top Rank boxing, PGA TOUR golf, college sports, international rugby, cricket, the full library of ESPN Films (including 30 for 30) and more. Fans can subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

Por Univision Puerto Rico El Combate de Título Mundial Christopher “Pitufo” Díaz vs. Masayuki Ito del 28 de Julio

El “Pitufo” Díaz e Ito batallarán por el vacante título mundial peso junior ligero de la OMB el sábado, 28 de Julio, en el Kissimmee Civic Center de Kissimmee, Florida.

La transmisión exclusiva para ‘La Isla del Encanto’ comenzará a las 9 p.m. por Univision Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, P.R. (18 de Julio del 2018) – Los fanáticos de la “Isla del Encanto” tendrán la oportunidad de ver en vivo y en exclusiva por Univision Puerto Rico cuando uno de sus hijos más queridos, el invicto contendiente barranquiteño Christopher “Pitufo” Díaz, rete por su primer título mundial. Díaz batallará contra el japonés Masayuki Ito el sábado 28 de julio por el título vacante peso ligero de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB) en el Kissimmee Civic Center de Kissimmee, Florida.

Los derechos de transmisión con exclusividad para Puerto Rico de esta promoción de Top Rank, en asociación con All Star Boxing y Teiken Promotions, fueron adquiridos por Route 2012. Este evento de campeonato mundial se transmitirá en vivo y en exclusiva para Puerto Rico el sábado, 28 de julio, a las 9 p.m. por Univsion Puerto Rico.

“Me siento super contento de saber que mi gente de Puerto Rico podrá disfrutar de mi pelea en vivo. Me llena de emoción saber que la Isla entera podrá ver mi primera oportunidad de título mundial,” dijo Díaz. “Siento un orgullo tremendo al saber que cuento con el apoyo de mi gente y sé que todos estarán gozando cuando me corone campeón mundial. Ese título viene para Puerto Rico. Se los prometo.”

“Esta es una excelente oportunidad para que los fanaticos en la Isla puedan disfrutar de boxeo de campeonato mundial y aún más cuando se trata de uno de los peleadores más queridos por la fanaticada boricua, como lo es ‘Pitufo’, quien estará retando por su primer título mundial,” añadió Gardy López de la promotora Top Rank.

“Para Route 2012, compañía productora puertorriqueña es importante poder presentar junto a Top Rank y Univision Puerto Rico el combate por título mundial de uno de los nuestros Christopher “Pitufo”Diaz. Somos parte de la historia y queremos que localmente nuestro público también lo sea. Con esta transmisión ‘Pitufo’ tendrá la garantía de que todo un pueblo estará pendiente a su gran cita,” expresó José “El Negro” Figueroa, presidente socio de Route 2012.

Díaz (23-0, 15 KOs), de Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, entrará a su primera pelea de título mundial corriendo una racha de cuatro victorias por nocaut. Díaz, quien es el primer clasificado en el peso junior ligero por la OMB, ganó el vacante título de peso junior ligero NABO en diciembre pasado con un nocaut en el tercer asalto sobre Bryant Cruz, derribando a Cruz cinco veces en camino un triunfo por detención. En su última pelea, el 17 de marzo en la cartelera de José Ramírez vs. Amir Imam en el Hulu Theater del Madison Square Garden, Díaz derrotó a Braulio Rodríguez por nocaut técnico en el cuarto asalto para ganar la oportunidad por el título mundial. Para Díaz, esta oportunidad de título mundial es un faro de esperanza, ya que el hogar de su familia y la mayoría de sus posesiones fueron destruidas cuando el huracán María devastó a Puerto Rico el año pasado.

Ito (23-1-1, 12 KOs), de Tokio, Japón, es el segundo clasificado en el peso junior ligero junior por la OMB. Ito ha ganado siete combates consecutivos desde la única derrota de su carrera, una decisión mayoritaria en 10 asaltos ante el invicto Rikki Naito en febrero del 2015. Ito, que ha peleado todos sus combates profesionales en Japón, ha ganado cuatro de sus últimos cinco combates por nocaut, incluyendo una detención en la novena ronda ante Lorenzo Villanueva en abril del año pasado. En su última pelea, el 3 de marzo en Korakuen Hall en Tokio, Ito detuvo a Vergil Puton en el noveno asalto.

Utilize el hashtags #DiazIto para unirse a la conversación en las redes sociales.

VIDEO: El Presidente de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo, el Lcdo. Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel, analiza a Jaime Munguía, ‘Pitufo’ Díaz y la rivalidad México vs. Puerto Rico

Kissimmee, Fla. (June 11, 2018) — Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz wants to add his name to the storied list of Puerto Rican world champions. He will get that chance July 28 at the Kissimmee Civic Center, when he squares off against Masayuki Ito for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior lightweight title.

Diaz-Ito will stream live and exclusively in the United States at 9:30 ET on ESPN+ — the recently-launched multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN. Undercard bouts will stream live on ESPN+ beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET. ESPN+ is available to all fans on the ESPN App and ESPN.com.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with All Star Boxing and Teiken Promotions, tickets to this world championship event will go on sale Tuesday, June 12 at 10 a.m. ET. Priced at $100 (red carpet ringside), $50 (lower bowl), and $30 (general admission), tickets may be purchased at the Kissimmee Civic Center box office, online at ticketerapr.com, or charge by phone at (787) 305-3600.

“This fight is dedicated to all of Puerto Rico and to my family that has always been there to support me,” Diaz said. “Now it’s my time to become a world champion, and I promise that I will bring home the world title. I love you, Puerto Rico. This one’s for you!”

“I am really pleased to be able to fight a great fighter like Christopher Diaz for the WBO title. Diaz is a very good fighter with power and speed, but on July 28, I will become the champion,” Ito said. “I will bring the belt home back to Japan without fail. I have promised my wife and children. I will fight as if my life depended on it.”

Diaz (23-0, 15 KOs), from Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, is entering his first world title match riding a four-bout knockout streak. The WBO’s No. 1 junior lightweight contender, Diaz won the vacant NABO junior lightweight title last December with a third-round knockout of Bryant Cruz, knocking Cruz down five times en route to the stoppage. In his last bout, March 17 on the Jose Ramirez-Amir Imam undercard at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, Diaz defeated Braulio Rodriguez via fourth-round TKO to earn the shot at the world title. For Diaz, this world title opportunity is beacon of hope, as his home and most of his possessions were destroyed when Hurricane Maria ravaged Puerto Rico last year.

Ito (23-1-1, 12 KOs), from Tokyo, is the WBO’s No. 2 junior lightweight contender. He has won seven consecutive bouts since the lone defeat of his career, a 10-round majority decision to then-undefeated Rikki Naito in February 2015. Ito, who has fought all of his professional bouts in Japan, has won four of his past five bouts via knockout, including a ninth-round stoppage of Lorenzo Villanueva in April of last year. In his last bout, on March 3 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Ito stopped Vergil Puton in the ninth round.

For more information visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, facebook.com/espndeportes; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, @ESPN @ESPNBoxeo,@ESPNDeportes. Use the hashtag #DiazIto to join the conversation on social media.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the first-ever multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN. ESPN+ offers fans two exclusive, original boxing programs The Boxing Beat with Dan Rafael (Tuesdays, weekly) and In This Corner (twice monthly). In addition to boxing content, fans can watch thousands of additional live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks. This includes hundreds of MLB, NHL and MLS games, Grand Slam tennis, Top Rank boxing, PGA Tour golf, college sports, international rugby, cricket, the full library of ESPN Films (including 30 for 30) and more. Fans can subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

 Credito: Foto de vk.com/boxnews.com.ua

El púgil boricua venció por decisión unánime a Ray Ximénez

Christopher “Pitufo” Díaz (16-0, 13 nocauts) se topó con el rival más fuerte en lo que va de su carrera, venciendo al mexicoamericano Ray Ximénez (13-1, tres nocauts) por decisión unánime la noche del sábado en el Coliseo Roberto Clemente de Hato Rey.

La votación oficial fue 77-75, 80-72, 78-74 para Díaz, quien con la victoria conquistó el título juvenil de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB) en las 126 libras.

“Gracias a Puerto Rico por siempre darme su apoyo. Nunca me han fallado y gracias a ustedes conquisté el título mundial juvenil”, dijo Díaz tras la pelea.

Al inicio, Ximénez mostró sorpresiva velocidad de manos. Díaz lidió efectivamente con ella, usando su jab a distancia y colando oportunas derechas.

Abriendo el dos, Pitufo llegó con una mano fuerte y Ximénez reaccionó disintiendo en negativa con la cabeza, como diciéndole a Pitufo que no la sintió. Sin embargo, su lenguaje corporal le llevaba la contraria.

Poco después, el nacido en Dallas retó al barranquiteño a intercambiar en el centro del ring.

Mostrando su agresividad usual, Díaz lo complació, y ambos intercambiaron por largo rato; Ximénez pegando arriba y Díaz hincando al cuerpo. Una de esas izquierdas al costado obligó al mexicoamericano a doblar su torso en dolor.

Ximénez volvió a retar a Díaz a intercambiar en el tercero y tuvo más éxito. Obligó al Pitufo a subir la guardia y a irse de espaldas a las cuerdas en dos ocasiones.

Para el cuarto, Ximénez lucía en remonte. Presionaba a Díaz y llegaba con sus golpes, en particular un sólido oper finalizando el episodio.

Díaz volvió a su jab desde afuera en el quinto. Pegó un buen gancho abajo y otro arriba, pero en instantes recibió una riposta al rostro.

La pelea se tornaba en una en que dominaba no el que pegaba más fuerte sino el que mejor asimilaba golpes.

Una mano fuerte de Ximénez a la cabeza agitó nuevamente a Díaz, quien se mordió el labio inferior y se lanzó a fajarse con su oponente. Pitufo logró ganar ese intercambio y llevarse el asalto.

“Fíjate, me sorprendió que viniera a intercambiar”, admitió Díaz en un aparte con este medio en la falda del ring. “Varias veces quise como decirle, ‘aquí mando yo’ y me fui al toma y dame”.

Abriendo el seis, Ximénez salió con guardia zurda. Poco después comenzó a retroceder como buscando un segundo aire. Díaz tiró menos pero tuvo mejor puntería.

Ximénez seguía zurdo para el séptimo, pero retrocedía, tiraba poco y solo en contragolpeo.

El de Barranquitas aprovechó con su ofensiva y pegó un buen oper. Luego pasó el último minuto evadiendo y haciendo muecas y gesticulando con las manos.

“Me llevé un regaño de Ricky, pero le puse pique a la pelea y el público quedó satisfecho”, dijo Díaz, quien selló la victoria abriendo el octavo con un potente 1-2 que tambaleó a Ximénez.

El mexicoamericano no cayó, sin embargo. Por el contrario, retó nuevamente al boricua y ambos se fueron a otro tiroteo a corta distancia. Lo ganó Díaz, pero terminó exhausto y sus manos salían como en cámara lenta. El de Barranquitas usó su maña y cintura para evadir golpes, y luego -cansado pero valiente- cerró el episodio ganando el extendido intercambio final. Lo logró pegando barrecampos y doblando el torso para evitar la mayor parte de los envíos de Ximénez.

“Me sorprendió que asimiló todos mis golpes. Le di los golpes más fuertes que le he dado a un rival y él no se cayó”.

www.elnuevodia.com/deportes/boxeo/nota/christopherpitufodiazsecoronacampeonmundialjuvenil-2188063/

La Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB) y su exitoso programa mundial ‘WBO Kids Drug Free’ celebrará el ’15to Invitacional de Atletismo Internacional Infantil OMB’, el cual se llevará a cabo este sábado, 5 de marzo, desde las 9:30 de la mañana en la recién remodelada pista de atletismo de Cupey Alto (Cupey Track), San Juan, Puerto Rico.

La actividad contará con la participación de sobre 400 niños y niñas entre las edades de 6 a 13 años de sobre 20 clubes de Puerto Rico y la participación de un grupo de atletas que vendrán de St. Croix. Estos jóvenes competirán en eventos de salto, lanzamiento, velocidad, fondo, marcha olímpica, vallas y relevo.

El ’15to Invitacional de Atletismo Internacional Infantil OMB’ estará dedicado al prospecto peso pluma de Barranquitas, Christopher ‘Pitufo’ Díaz y los destacados atletas de Cupey Track: Naomi Núñez, Dail Ruiz y Gibram Velázquez.

Campeones, ex campeones, contendores, prospectos y personalidades del boxeo puertorriqueño, en adición a ejecutivos de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo, estarán participando de la actividad.

Atletas y Clubes interesados en participar, deben enviar sus inscripciones en o antes del viernes, 4 de marzo a cupeytrack@hotmail.com y/o comunicarse con Florencio González al 787-962-0657.

Habrá sorteo de bicicletas, premios en efectivo, medallas y trofeos.

‘WBO Kids Drug Free’ es un programa internacional dirigido a los niños y jóvenes con el fin de llevar un mensaje de prevención al consumo de drogas y motivarlos a continuar en los estudios, utilizando el deporte como una herramienta para mantenerse en buenos pasos.

Jonathan Gaudier / Prensa OMB/WBO

http://notifight.com/omb-celebrara-el-sabado-15to-invitacional-de-atletismo-internacional/