Dream comes true: JoJo Diaz defeats Tevin Farmer to win world title

JoJo Diaz talked himself into a title fight with IBF super featherweight champion Tevin Farmer. Could he back up his talk with words?

Yes.

Diaz, on his third world title try, ignored an ugly cut over his left eye to outwork Tevin Farmer Friday night to capture the IBF super featherweight title by unanimous decision at Meridian at Island Gardens in Miami, FL.

Scores were 116-112 and 115-113 twice.

Maxboxing had Diaz winning the fight by a 116-112 tally.

The battle of the southpaws got off to a cautious start. Farmer jabbed while Diaz watched. Diaz (31-1, 15 KOs) landed a sneaky left. Farmer, the bigger man went to the body. Diaz connected with a left and perhaps won the first round.

Farmer (30-5-1, 6 KOs) mentioned to his corner that his right hand was hurting. Diaz was connecting with little shots, but was bleeding from a deep cut from an unintentional head butt over his left eye.Farmer worked the cut. Diaz landed a good shot upstairs while Farmer worked the body.

In round three, Farmer landed a wicked punch to the eye. Diaz fought back with a solid left. He also landed a combination. Farmer connected with a right.

Farmer punched more in round four. Diaz laid back, looking to counter. He connected with another right. Around the two-minute mark, Diaz opened up. He landed a combination. His bodywork seemed to surprise Farmer. Diaz stayed aggressive in round five. Farmer went to work while Diaz connected with shots to the ribs.

Diaz connected with a straight left hand in round six. Farmer popped a number of jabs. Diaz was accurate with hooks. Farmer looked a little gassed. Had he underestimated Diaz?

Farmer was told be more aggressive in round seven, but it was Diaz who connected with a number of shots. Diaz was more active. Farmer dug to the belly. Close round.

For the eighth consecutive round, the fighters met in the center of the ring. Farmer landed a right. Diaz again connected with multiple shots. Farmer moved away and fought back. Diaz clubbed Farmer to the body.

Farmer came out punching in round nine while Diaz walked after him. The Southern California boxer opened up. Framer, from Philadelphia, stayed in the pocket, but Diaz continued to have the edge. Round to Diaz.

Diaz hurt Farmer with a sweeping right in round 10. Farmer walked forward, but he’s not a big puncher, so whatever he landed didn’t bother Diaz.

With two rounds to go, Diaz appeared to be winning the fight. Farmer was told by his corner that he needed rounds 11 and 12 big. Both men landed, but Diaz was slightly sharper. Farmer tired to land a something with power in the last round, but it was Diaz who fired away. The action was fierce on the inside. Both connected with slashing shots to the body-and to the head.

“I just pretended the cut wasn’t there,” said the jubilant Diaz. “I’m a warrior man, I’m going to go out there and get the W.”

You bet.