Juan Diaz defends Lightweight crown against Billy Irwin

Houston boxing fans are using the box office to show their support for hometown WBA world lightweight champion Juan Diaz, it was announced today by Main Events CEO Kathy Duva. Although there is still more than a week to go before Juan Diaz defends his crown against Billy Irwin on Jan 21 at the Reliant Center in Houston, TX, over 1,300 tickets have already been purchased by enthusiastic Houstonians.

Diaz (26-0, 12 KO’s) captured the WBA crown in Houston, TX on July 17, 2004, when he defeated defending champion Lakva Sim to win a unanimous decision victory (W 12). The victory made Diaz the youngest world champion in the sport (20 years old). In his last bout on Nov 4, 2004, the 21-year-old Houston, TX native successfully defended his title for the first time, pounding former world champion Julien Lorcy to earn a unanimous decision victory (W 12).

The 10 round co-feature bout pits undefeated heavyweight Calvin Brock (23-0, 19 KO’s) against Clifford “The Black Rhino” Etienne (29-2-2, 20 KO’s).

Several local Houston boxers will also appear on the card, including the following:

Jose Diaz (5-0, 2 KO’s) – featherweight younger brother of Juan Diaz
Benjamin Flores (7-0, 2 KO’s) – junior lightweight
Akondayne Fountain (3-0, 1 KO) – middleweight
Chris Tamayo (Pro Debut) – featherweight
Lucy Contreras (1-0) – junior featherweight
Jesus Rodarte (Pro Debut) – lightweight

Undefeated highly-touted San Antonio, TX bantamweight Raul Martinez (5-0, 4 KO’s) will compete in his first scheduled six round bout, while former Mexican champion Julio Cesar Garcia (9-0, 6 KO’s) competes in an eight round jr. lightweight bout.

Main Events is presenting the evening of boxing, in association with Miller Lite. The first bout is scheduled for 6:00 pm CT.

Ticket prices are $100, $50, and $25 and can be purchased at all Ticketmaster locations, Reliant Park Box Office, www.ticketmaster.com, or call 713.629.3700