Juan Diaz. Is he overated?

First off, Juan Diaz is one of my favourite fighters in boxing. Still, after once again watching the Freitas fight, I am found in some ways I am still undecided about his level of ability. At the moment, he is clearly the best in the 135 pound division. But IMO the division at the moment is really quite weak. Guys like Floyd, Corrales, Castillo, Casamayor and Freitas have all either succumbed to age or moved up in weight. Leaving Juan as the most likely heir apparant to the 135 pound thrown. Some things that I noticed in the Frietas fight though: * Juan was quite slow on his feet at times. * Juan had difficulty throwing punches in combinations, especially when Freitas countered and moved. * Juan didn't use a lot of head movement. These weaknesses stuck out to me, particularly because Freitas was not the same fighter as the one earlier in his career. He was slower, had less power, and seemed to crumble quickly under pressure. Please choose from the poll which fighters you would pick the current version of Diaz to beat. It is a multiple choice poll, so please no donkey votes. If you don't think he could beat any, simply choose accordingly. Thanks. Look forward to hearing your thoughts.

 

Here are some things that I like about Juan Diaz. I think he has a great jab, and under rated boxing ability. He is a great combination puncher, but only when he sets his feet. He is very very strong, especially for 135. He is relentless in his attack, and in some ways a throw back to guys like Jeff Fenech. He has looked better and better as his career progresses, which shows he is improving as a fighter. He still has the ability to counter punch pressure fighters when necessary (as shown vs Jose Cotto). His power IMO is under rated, and is improving. he has a solid chin, not great but not bad either. Personally, i would love to see him in against Katsidis, to see how he handles a pressure figher with power. Then against Manny Pac to see how he handles a guy with that sort of hand speed.

 

Sorry guys, forgot the None option. If that is your choice, simply post it up.

 

Stylistically Pac would have big trouble with Juan. Juan will use his defence to get inside, and then bully Pac being the bigger fighter. Pac needs range to really get pwoer behind his punches. Partiularly that straight left of his which he loves so much. I can see Juan outworking and over power Manny Pac. Particularly backing him up with that strong jab of his. Still, a very good competitive match up.