Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz (31-1-1, 15 KOs) is planning to make it a very physical fight when he faces Javier Fortuna in a crossroads fight between two former beltholders.

Their clash will be part of a Golden Boy Promotions cards being staged on July 9 at the Banc of California Stadium in Downtown Los Angeles. DAZN will stream the card.

Fortuna (36-2-1, 25 KOs) was scheduled to face Ryan Garcia, before the unbeaten star withdrew from the bout to deal with his mental health issues.

The fight with Diaz will have the vacant WBC interim-lightweight title at stake - with the winner gaining a crack at full champion Devin Haney.

Diaz is looking to make a big statement after fighting to a draw with Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov in February.

He wants to do damage by battering Fortuna in the contest.

“I’m ready to defeat this boogeyman that everyone is scared to fight. I’m not afraid or worried about anything he’s going to bring inside that ring. I’ve seen it all already. I’ve covered all of my bases in training camp, and I’m ready to perform on July 9," Diaz said.

“I’m ready to brawl with him, but I don’t think he’ll want to exchange once he feels my power. He’s going to try to be elusive and try to box. That’s the fight I am expecting. But I can also work with other styles too. If he wants to brawl, we can do that too.

“I want to deliver a spectacular performance. I’m going there to try to hurt Javier Fortuna. I’m really focused. I’ve just had one of the best training camps of my entire career, and I’m ready.”