Testing Grounds for Jojo Diaz at Fantasy Springs on Friday

Secret atomic tests are underway in the super bantamweight division as boxing promoters prepare for all-out war in the near future.

Tests have been underground so far but the tremors and repercussions are being felt from east to west. No one is admitting it, but no one is denying.

Jojo Diaz Jr. (17-0, 10 Kos) has been slotted next for another underground test when he faces Mexico’s ultra-tough Ruben Tamayo (25-6-4, 17 Kos) on Friday, Oct. 23, at Fantasy Springs Casino. Estrella TV will televise.

It figures that it takes place in the Coachella desert. The sandy oasis perfectly suits testing projects where misguided or successful explosions can absorb the multi-shockwaves in the desert sands.

Diaz entered the testing grounds a few months ago in a brutal slugfest that ended in a bloody but victorious win over Rene Alvarado at the L.A Sports Arena.

“He was a tough veteran,” said Diaz of Alvarado. “Resourceful too.”

The former U.S. Olympian displayed grit, speed and adaptability that will be needed in the next plateau where natural athleticism may not be enough. Misfires can be expected but need to be overcome instantaneously. Test and more tests are needed.

“That’s experience that I can take from that fight and use it in the future,” Diaz said.

Now he faces Tamayo, a fixture in the super bantamweight division who’s endured firepower from other blasters recently. His battle with another super prospect lasted 10 rounds last June in the battlegrounds of the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. Diaz expects no less than the same formidable foe on Friday who lost by decision to Oscar Valdez.

Diaz wants to prove he’s better than Valdez or any of the many other super bantamweight and featherweight prospects.

“He’s awkward and strong,” said Diaz of Tamayo. “But I’m looking to stop him. I want to make a statement to all the others.”

All of the others include many of his fellow super bantamweights and featherweights signed with Golden Boy Promotions.

“I have to get ready for guys like Julian Ramirez, Diego De La Hoya and Manuel Avila,” said Diaz of those who fight for Golden Boy Promotions. “Next year I hope to fight for a world title. There’s a lot of talent in the division with guys like Vasyl Lomachenko, Nicholas Walters and even some of the veterans like Abner Mares.”

That’s when the real nuclear fallout begins.

First, Diaz must pass through the desert testing grounds at Indio against Tamayo. A year from now the super bantamweight from South El Monte plans to go ballistic. All-the-way-ballistic.

“I just want to make good fights,” he said.

Doors open at 5 p.m. For tickets and for information call (800) 827-2946.

Michael Spinks

Former light heavyweight and heavyweight world champion Michael Spinks will be appearing at Fantasy Springs Casino from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. He’ll be available for photos and autographs.

Follow @AvilaBoxing

WATCH RELATED VIDEOS ON BOXINGCHANNEL.TV