By Jason Kim: Former IBF/WBA/WBO lightweight champion Juan Diaz (35-4, 17 KO’s) wants a title shot against WBA lightweight champion Brandon Rios (27-0, 20 KO’s). Diaz recently called the 24-year-old Rios, saying on his twitter page “I am back and stronger than ever. Just letting you hold my title for now. I am going to school you, and shut you up.”

Diaz, 27, could sure use a title shot right now. He’s lost four out of his last six fights and is incredibly lucky he hasn’t lost five out of his last six fights because one of his wins in the past six fights was a questionable one over Paulie Malignaggi while fighting at home in Houston, Texas. Diaz has lost his last two fights against Malignaggi in a rematch and then recently losing a 12 round decision to Juan Manuel Marquez in his rematch with him last year in July. Diaz needs to get back in the ring soon because it’s going on a year since he last fought.

Rios is coming off of a 10th round TKO win over WA lightweight champion Miguel Acosta in February in an exciting fight. Rios struggled early on with the power and movement of Acosta but then cane on to stop him. In other recent fights, Rios defeated Omri Lowther by a 5th round stoppage in November last year and beat highly hyped Antony Peterson by a 7th round disqualification in September.
Rios would seem to be too strong for Diaz right now. Rios would likely be able to take Diaz’s power shots and then hurt him with return shots and eventually take him out. I can’t see Diaz winning this fight. He’ too far gone and taken too many beatings to beat a still in his prime fighter like Rios. In a short time Rios will likely be right where Diaz is right now due to the punishment he absorbs in his fights.