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Boxlab Promotions’ super featherweight contender, Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz (29-4, 19 KOs) kept his world title ambitions intact when he defeated Derlyn Hernandez (12-2-1, 10 KOs) by second round knockout this past Saturday (July 13) at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. However, it wasn’t the fight or opportunity intended for Diaz; Hernandez stepped in at late notice due to the 19-0 Henry Lebron getting injured.
Puerto Rico’s Diaz nonetheless dominated the bout from the opening bell on the Jaron Ennis-David Avanesyan undercard and ended the contest with a flurry of punches at the 2:36 mark of round two. With the win, Diaz is looking forward to his future and hopes to take on Lebron or any of the other contenders in the super featherweight division.
“It was disappointing that I wasn’t able to fight Henry Lebron, but I’m glad I was able to step in the ring against Hernandez,” said Diaz, who was halted in 12 rounds in a 2021 bid Emanuel Navarrete’s WBO featherweight title. “I had a really good training camp, so I knew I was going to be a problem for anyone. I took care of Hernandez and now I’m hoping to work my way back to a world title shot. I’m open to fighting Lebron when he recovers or any of the other top 10 contenders. My goal is to fight for a world title and become a champion.”
The win marked Diaz’s third on the spin.
“Diaz showed why he belongs at the contender ranks with another great performance,” said Diaz’ promoter Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions. “He’s a better fighter now having competed at the championship level. He can become a world champion and we are working to get him back in the ring as soon as possible.”