Lightweight Christopher "Pitufo" Diaz will face Alan Chaves at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida on Thursday December 10th, live worldwide on DAZN as part of Matchroom's Project Series. The event will coincide with the first WBO / IBF unified convention taking place at Caribe Royale that week. It’s a critical clash for three-time title challenger Diaz (30-6, 19 KOs), who needs a victory to prove that he still belongs at the sport's top level. As for Chaves (22-1, 19 KOs), he's looking to get back to winning ways after defeat in his last outing in New Jersey in September. In the ten-round co-feature, Angel Barrientes (15-1, 9 KOs) of Las Vegas will square off against Nicaragua's Alex Vallecillo (16-1, 13 KOs) in a featherweight bout.
Back to the main event, Diaz said, “every fight is an opportunity to prove that I still belong among the best in the world, and this fight with Alan Chaves means I must perform at my absolute best,” said Diaz. “I've been through the highs and lows of this sport, and every experience has made me stronger, wiser, and hungrier than ever. I know Chaves is a dangerous fighter with a lot of power, but I've faced adversity before, and I've never backed down from a challenge. I fight for my family, my people, and everyone who has believed in me throughout my journey. On December 10, it's another chance to show the world that my story is far from over, and I'm ready to give the fans a performance they'll never forget.”
“He’s experienced, he’s dangerous, and that’s exactly the challenge I need right now,” said Chaves. “My last fight taught me a lot. Now it’s on me to show how much I’ve grown, and what I’m made of.”
As for the co-feature, Barrientes said, “the time is now for me to show the world all the hard work I’ve been putting in to get ready for this fight. My hunger to win these belts will not be denied. A victory against Vallecillo will get me closer to a world tile shot, and that is my ultimate goal.”
Valecillo replied, “I have the power and the will to win this fight. Barrientes is in trouble and he knows it. I’m bringing these belts back home to Nicaragua.”
ADDITIONAL BOUTS
Florida fight fans will also see undefeated Roberto Gomez (9-0, 3 KOs) of Dade City take on Jeremy Adorno (11-1, 6 KOs) of Kissimmee in a scheduled eight-round junior lightweight contest. With both fighters representing Central Florida, the matchup adds an exciting local rivalry to the event.
Junior middleweight Quincey Williams (7-0, 6 KOs) of Washington, D.C. will compete in an eight-round bout against Purto Rico's Eric Sanchez (8-0, 6 KOs).
Orlando's Brandon Ortiz (1-0, 1 KO) will look to build on his successful professional debut in a four-round super bantamweight bout against Martel Washpun (4-0, 1 KO), from Baytown, Texas.
Cuban middleweight Pedro Veitia (8-0-1, 8 KOs) will also be featured in a scheduled six-round bout against Willie Jones (10-3, 7 KOs), from North Carolina.
Welterweight Kelvin Davis (16-1, 8 KOs) of Norfolk, Virginia, is also scheduled to compete in a ten-round contest, while his younger brother, junior middleweight Keon Davis (5-0, 3 KOs), will see action in a scheduled six-round bout, as will Orlando lightweight Julio Solis (11-0, 8 KOs), with all three fighters to have opponents announced soon.
“The IBF’s commitment to the sport extends beyond recognizing champions. It also means recognizing the promise of developing fighters and supporting opportunities for them to grow. Working alongside the WBO, we want this series to give emerging talent a platform to be seen, tested, and recognized as they pursue their ambitions. Championship titles represent dedication and achievement at every stage of a boxer’s career. By investing in prospects and strengthening the opportunities available through regional championships, we are helping develop the fighters, and the sport, of tomorrow.” - Daryl Peoples, International Boxing Federation, Inc. (IBF)
“I am delighted that the latest Project Series event is a big part of the first unified convention between the WBO and IBF and is another great night of boxing on what promises to be an unforgettable weekend of boxing,” said Eddie Hearn. “The first editions of the Project Series have been fantastic and done exactly what they were meant to do; showcase young talents and provide real excitement - and this show on December 10 at Caribe Royale will deliver that once again, with a make-or-break main event with the careers of Pitufo and Alan on the line, plus a host of young rising stars in 50-50 showdowns.”
“On behalf of Caribe Royale Resort and Boxlab Promotions, I’m proud to welcome the WBO and IBF to Orlando for their historic first-ever unified convention. We’re excited to host guests from around the world and help make this event a tremendous success. We’re also looking forward to our Prospect Series - Special Edition on December 10, featuring established fighters, rising stars and multiple WBO and IBF title bouts in both men’s and women’s boxing. We thank both organizations for their support and look forward to delivering an unforgettable night of boxing for fans and visitors alike. Don’t miss this stacked card! - Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions
