By Edward Chaykovsky

WBC interim-welterweight champion Keith Thurman (22-0, 20KOs) will be facing ex-beltholder Julio Diaz (40-9-1, 29KOs) on April 26th at the StubHub Center in Carson. The fight will be part of a Showtime televised tripleheader, with Lucas Matthysse and WBC lightweight champion Omar Figueroa in separate fights.

Diaz came very close to upsetting Amir Khan last April in Sheffield, where he dropped the British star and had in serious trouble late in the fight. He eventually lost a close twelve round decision. He then lost a twelve round decision later in the year to current IBF champion Shawn Porter. It was second time they fought after going to a draw the first time round.

“I’m going there to ruin the party,” said Diaz to The Desert Sun. “That what shines isn’t always gold,” Diaz said. “To me, he don’t impress me. He has power, and you have to give it to him. He’s a dangerous opponent. But if he doesn’t hurt me with the power, he won’t beat me.”

“I might not be at my prime, but I come to fight and I come to fight hard. I’m not coming in as a punching bag. I come to win.”