De La Hoya High on Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz

LOS ANGELES, December 18 – One of the most talented members of the 2012 United States Olympic boxing team, South El Monte, California's Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz Jr. had a big week in not only signing with Golden Boy Promotions, but also beginning his road to the top as a professional when he made his pro debut this past Saturday, December 15 with a win over a tough opponent in then 5-2 Vicente Alfaro at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena.

“We've all watched Joseph grow up as an athlete and a young man over the years in the amateurs and all the Southern California fight fans are proud of his success thus far,” said Golden Boy Promotions president Oscar De La Hoya. “He looked like a veteran this weekend in earning his first professional win and now we're looking forward to taking him to a world championship. Golden Boy Promotions is extremely proud to add 'Jo Jo' to our star-studded roster and know he has the right attitude in and out of the ring to make it in this great sport. I guarantee that once you see this humble and talented young man, you will see the same potential we do.”

“I've always been a fan of Oscar De La Hoya and he's been a great example for young fighters like myself,” said Diaz Jr. “So to work with him and the Golden Boy Promotions team is an honor. I was a little nervous before my first professional fight on Saturday night, but now that it is under my belt, I can't wait to get back into the ring as soon as possible and continue to show what I can do.”

The owner of over 100 wins as an amateur that included two national championships and a berth on the 2012 United States Olympic team, 20-year-old Joseph Diaz Jr. made a name for himself internationally this summer at the London Games where he decisioned Ukrainian Pavlo Ishchenko before losing a close 21-15 bout to Cuban world champion Lazaro Alvarez. With a strong amateur showing behind him, he was ready to pursue greatness in the professional game and on December 15, the southpaw impressed fight fans in his Southern California backyard with a shutout, four-round decision win over Minnesota's Alfaro.