Joseph Diaz received a gift at Thursday’s press conference — one he hasn’t seen on the scorecard recently. A red hat with “WAR” written on it, similar to what Marvin Hagler wore a few years ago. It was a gift from his client, Rick Mirigian.
Diaz will face Oscar Duarte on Saturday, April 27 at the SaveMart Center in Fresno, California as part of the undercard of Jose Ramirez vs.
In Diaz (33-5-1, 15 KOs) vs. Duarte (26-2-1, 21 KOs), Hat’s trademark was more than what he was looking for after his early fight. Diaz beat Tevin Farmer to become world champion in 2020 (before the pandemic), but things have been tough since then.
He lost the IBF junior lightweight title when he fought Shavkat Rakhimov to a draw, and has gone 2-4 despite losing to Mercito Gesta via split decision and asking Jesus Perez.
At just 31 years old, the 2012 Olympian is on his way, and he knows it.
‘War’ Could Be on the Horizon for Joseph Diaz in Vital Sink-or-Swim Fight https://t.co/CrgrDje5EY
— BoxingScene.com (@boxingscene) April 27, 2024
“I really need to show everyone that I’m still a fighter in the weight classes,” Diaz told BoxingScene. “I’m happy because I’m hungry, I really want it, and a lot of people are expecting me to go out, but they’ll see on Saturday night.”
Most boxers have two phases in their career. When they have hope and a perfect record and everyone believes in them, this is the first step. Then, the second half followed their downfall as the world began to misunderstand them. Often times their difficulty is what determines the winner.
Diaz enters the fight as a gambler. According to SportsBetting.Ag, Diaz is rated +275. Duarte opened as a -375 favorite.
“Now they think I’m lost,” Diaz said. “I believe it’s based on the fight of Jesus Perez [he lost a split in February].”
For Diaz, the “War” hat he was awarded had less to do with what he liked to see than Hagler and more to do with his mind.
Duarte had a decent fight against Ryan Garcia in December but was stopped in the eighth round and Diaz had to go all out. His job may be in trouble. “I think the hat means it’s all in the ring,” Diaz said of the concept behind the gift. “For me, it determines success or failure, and I know it’s the same for Oscar Duarte.”
Ashley’s View:
Joseph Diaz’s upcoming bout against Oscar Duarte is more than just another fight—it’s a chance for redemption and resurgence for the 31-year-old fighter. At Thursday’s press conference, Diaz received a symbolic gift—a red hat bearing the word “WAR,” reminiscent of boxing legend Marvin Hagler’s iconic headgear. For Diaz, this gift represents more than just a piece of attire; it embodies his mindset as he prepares to step into the ring once again.
Diaz’s journey in the boxing world has seen its share of highs and lows. After clinching the world championship in 2020, Diaz faced setbacks, including a draw against Shavkat Rakhimov and losses to Mercito Gesta and Jesus Perez. Despite these challenges, Diaz remains determined to prove himself as a force to be reckoned with in the weight class.
In the buildup to Saturday night’s showdown, Diaz exudes confidence and hunger, eager to silence any doubts about his abilities. He understands the stakes and knows that this fight is a pivotal moment in his career—a chance to reclaim his status and reaffirm his place among the boxing elite.
With odds stacked against him, Diaz enters the ring as an underdog, but he embraces the challenge with unwavering resolve. The “WAR” hat serves as a reminder of the mental fortitude and fighting spirit needed to overcome adversity and emerge victorious.
As Diaz and Duarte prepare to face off, it’s clear that both fighters are prepared to leave it all in the ring. The “WAR” mentality transcends mere physicality—it’s about resilience, determination, and the willingness to go to battle, no matter the odds.
For Diaz, the hat symbolizes not just a fight, but a mindset—a commitment to giving his all and leaving nothing behind. As the bell rings and the two warriors step into the spotlight, Diaz’s “WAR” mentality will be put to the test, and boxing fans can expect nothing short of a thrilling display of heart, courage, and tenacity from both fighters.
