Nick Diaz signs with Don Chargin to compete as a professional boxer
http://mmamania.com/2009/08/13/nick-dia ... nal-boxer/
Hall-of-fame boxing promoter Don Chargin has confirmed that embattled Strikeforce welterweight Nick Diaz has signed with “War-a-Week” to enter the world of boxing under his direction, according to Boxingscene.com.
The deal will not affect his contractual obligations with Strikeforce.
The surprising news comes just days after Diaz was scratched from the upcoming Strikeforce “Carano vs. Cyborg” event on August 15 after failing to appear for his initial pre-fight drug test on August 7 and again for the make-up exam on August 10.
Saturday’s bout was to be against Jay Hieron for the newly-created Strikeforce welterweight championship. UFC exile Jesse “JT Money” Taylor has agreed to step in and take his place.
Diaz has long been known for his unorthodox but effective striking style. Prior to dismantling the clearly-overmatched Scott Smith at June’s “Lawler vs. Shields” event, the foul-mouthed fightmonger busted up the legendary Frank Shamrock en route to a second round TKO at the last San Jose-based event back in April.
The Stockton, Calif., native is riding a five-fight win streak and has finished each of his opponents in dominating fashion.
However, it should be noted that he was picked apart on his feet by boxer-tuned-MMA fighter-turned boxer KJ Noons en route to a TKO loss (cuts) back at Elite XC: “Renegade” in November 2007.
Still, Chargin believes the Cesar Gracie-disciple has what it takes to cut it inside the ring.
Here’s a snip:
“I know the signing of a mixed martial arts fighter might be considered controversial by many boxing fans across the world. When the subject of mixed martial arts versus boxing arises, it always comes down to the boxer winning a boxing match easily and vice versa for MMA. However, after having seen the replays of Diaz’s fights over the course of his career, I truly believe that this kid has what it takes to really make for some very entertaining fights within boxing.”
The one upside to Diaz becoming a pugilist is that he may eventually have that long awaited rematch with Noons. Not only would it be an entertaining scrap, it would be a pretty good indicator of where his skills are at in the “sweet science.”
Stay tuned.