Juan Diaz and Rocky Juarez Host DFW Media at Open Workout

Written by Sean Malone | 14 July 2010

(All photos © JAEIII/NorthTexasFisticuffs.com)

The scene inside the humid confines of the Maple St. Boxing Gym in Uptown mirrored that of Las Vegas during a big fight weekend.  The stuffy gym was filled to the rafters with local and national media, fight fans, and curious onlookers all in the pursuit of witnessing two Houstonians, Juan “The Baby Bull” Diaz and Rock Juarez put on an open workout as they hype their respective fights taking place on July 31 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vagas (HBO PPV). 

The two fighters gave attendees a treat going through a number of workout routines that perfectly illustrated the prerequisite dedication and skill for fighters of this caliber.  

Diaz will headline the pay-per-view card in a rematch against Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez.  The two waged a memorable war last February which earned the coveted 2009 Fight of the Year Award by the Boxing Writers Association of America.  While Diaz battled valiantly, Marquez experience and intelligence carried him to a knockout victory. 

Juarez is looking to rebound from a loss to Jason Litzau this past spring.  A silver medalist for the 2000 US Olympic boxing team, Juarez’s career has been plagued by an inability to catch a break in title fights.  On July 31 he faces an extremely stern test against Venezuelan boxer-puncher Jorge Linares.  For all intents and purposes, it is a must win fight.