By Carlos Boogs

Felix Diaz Jr. (17-0, 8 KOs) is an undefeated fighter. He captured an Olympic gold medal in 2008, sweeping through his opponents and became only the second boxing medal winner from the Dominican Republic.

He turned pro in 2009 and hasn't been very active in comparison to most prospects. He only had three bouts in 2009 and averaged two fights per year from 2012 to 2014. This past April, he dominated and dropped Gabe Bracero to gain a lopsided decision over ten rounds.

After six years of fighting in the pros, and being an Olympic gold medal winner, Diaz is still an unknown commodity among the causal fans and not given a high degree of respect from the hardcore fans.

He hopes to change all of that later tonight, when he faces former world champion Lamont Peterson (33-3-1, 17 KOs) in the televised headliner of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC from the EagleBank Arena at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.

"Just like everything in life, we have to climb. Beating Lamont would be reaching new heights in my career and my life.  After the Olympics I took a year off to think about my future. And that break led me here," Diaz said.

 

"I know what the whole world knows about Lamont Peterson. He's a tremendous fighter...but that doesn't matter. I'm still going to beat him. A world title shot is in my future and I think this fight is what's going to open the door for me."

The fight takes place in Peterson's hometown and a hostile crowd is expected. Diaz, a well seasoned amateur who fought all over the world, is feeling no pressure whatsoever. On his opinion, Peterson placed more pressure on himself by eclecting to fight at home.

"I like the opportunity but the pressure is on Lamont fighting in his hometown. I don't feel any pressure coming into his hometown. I don't feel any pressure to keep my undefeated record because I trained to win. The Olympics were the most pressure I've ever felt and it was my proudest moment as a fighter and as a man. It's one of my biggest achievements," Diaz said.