Undefeated Puerto Rican contender Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz (23-0, 15 KOs) will fight Japanese veteran Masayuki Ito (23-1-1, 12 KOs) for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior lightweight title on Saturday at the Kissimmee Civic Center in Kissimmee, Florida. Diaz is rated WBO #1, Ito is rated WBO #2, and they are fighting for the belt formerly held by Vasyl Lomachenko.
Diaz will have the crowd support with the Orlando-area boxing fans. He is rebuilding his life after his home and most of his possessions were destroyed last year when Hurricane Maria ravaged Puerto Rico.
“It’s time to show the world what I’m made of,” states Diaz. “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-Ito will stream live and exclusively in the United States at 9:30 ET on ESPN+