By Jake Donovan

There’s always the concern of having to go above and beyond in order to impress the judges whenever a boxer travels to an opponent’s home region. 

Felix Diaz figured the proverbial deck would be stacked against him heading into his showdown with Lamont Peterson – just not to the extreme that was the case in his points loss to the former 140 lb. champ last weekend in Fairfax, Virginia.

The bout was nationally televised during a Saturday afternoon edition of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC, with Peterson claiming a disputed majority decision win. Diaz managed to fight to a 114-114 draw on the card of Brian Costello, which was overruled by far too wide cards of 116-112 from Mark D’Attilio and 117-111 from Dorothea Perry. 

All three judges hail from Virginia, with none of the three managing to score in favor of Diaz. Post-fight reaction from viewers and those commenting through social media believed the bout should have gone in the opposite direction, at the very least noting the strong finish turned in by the previously unbeaten prospect from Dominican Republic. 

“I went in there against all odds and I knew I needed a knock out to win in his backyard,” Diaz (17-1, 8KOs) told BoxingScene.com after having a few days to think about what took place. “I didn't know I was going to be fighting a super middleweight when the fight began.”

Both fighters agreed to a 144 lb. catchweight despite actively campaigning at super lightweight. Peterson has spent the majority of his career at 140 lbs., having even expressed disappointment in having to face Danny Garcia above the limit in a non-title fight in April, when both held separate super lightweight titles. 

Peterson was stripped of his title in agreeing to such terms for the NBC-televised headliner at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. He has since moved from that stance as he appears to give welterweight a try for the foreseeable future

Diaz – who beat Gabriel Bracero by decision on that same show in April - was receptive to the weight. He also adhered to the instructions from the Virginia Boxing and Wrestling Commission in being told he could not weigh more than 10 lbs. above contracted limit during the day of the fight. 

“My guy listened to the rules, but Peterson was allowed to walk into the ring weighing 162 lbs,” points out Jose Nuñez, Diaz’ manager. “He gained nearly 20 lbs. after the weigh-in, was allowed to fight with that sponge on his face (Peterson sporting a lengthy beard far exceeding traditional regulations for tolerable facial hair worn by combatants), and then we get stuck with incompetent officials.”

Diaz did his best to focus on the task at hand, but his team sensed trouble in its future after watching the tragic events develop in the afternoon’s chief support. Referee Joseph Cooper – infamous for his poor performance as third man for Peterson’s 12-round split decision win over Amir Khan in Dec. ’11 – failed to gain control of a foul-filled welterweight bout between Terrel Williams and Prichard Colon.

The pair of unbeaten welterweights traded punches and fouls for nine rounds, before Colon was disqualified for his corner stalling prior to the start of the 10th and final round in believing the fight was over. It perhaps turned out to save Colon’s fight, as he was repeatedly hit behind the hit and was dropped twice in round nine. 

Following the fight, the previously unbeaten Puerto Rican prospect vomited and fainted in his dressing room, prompting emergency transportation to Inova Fairfax Hospital, where he received emergency surgery to relieve a subdural hematoma. He remains in a coma to this day, but continues to show signs of improvement.

Sadly, the same cannot be said for boxing officials in the Virginia/D.C. region. All things considered, Diaz was fortunate to have only lost his unbeaten record. 

While a rematch is desired, the 2008 Olympic Gold medalist isn’t as willing to make as many concessions in a second round of negotiations. Future plans call for the 5’5” southpaw to return to the 140 lb. division, be it against Peterson or anyone else at the top level. 

“I know I beat him and would love the chance to prove it again,” insists Diaz, who lives and trains out of Bronx, New York these days. “We can do it at Barclays Center this time. If Peterson doesn’t grant me the rematch, then give me his gym stablemate Adrien Broner (who currently owns a 140 lb. title). 

“Peterson, Broner… give me anyone in the (super lightweight) division. I’m getting better with every fight under Joel Diaz, and I’m ready to clean house. As far as I’m concerned I’m still undefeated, but I don’t need that “0” to show that I’m the best.”

Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox