Nick Diaz to Box Fernando Vargas in 2011?
- from http://www.sherdog.com/ on Apr 14, 2011
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Nick Diaz (above left) may try his hand at boxing. | Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com
Strikeforce welterweight champion Nick Diaz is considering a boxing career.
The Strikeforce welterweight champion conducted an interview with HDNet's “Inside MMA” following the successful defense of his title against Paul Daley, wherein the champion hinted at his dissatisfaction with the sport of mixed martial arts.
“[MMA] doesn't have anybody else for me to fight right now. I'm better than all these guys they have,” said Diaz. “The guys [the media] have ranked above me, I'm sure they don't want to fight me. I don't see much of a future in this sport for me. I honestly don't, especially if there's not a whole [lot] of money going on.”
In a separate interview, Diaz’s manager, Cesar Gracie, told “Inside MMA” co-host Kenny Rice that Diaz has signed a contract to box Fernando Vargas, likely in September or October.
“We're looking at some guys with name recognition. Maybe not the top guy in the world, necessarily, but someone that the public knows. I would love [Fernando] Vargas to get in there with [Nick],” Gracie said. “I know they've contacted [Vargas], and he's very interested. We've actually already signed on the dotted line ourselves for that fight, and we're waiting for [Vargas to sign] now.”
Talking with Gracie on Thursday afternoon, the manager and former fighter told Sherdog.com that due to an "unknown medical issue" with Vargas, boxer Jeff Lacy is now Diaz's top choice. The switch in plans was first reported by MMAWeekly.com.
Vargas, however, told Sherdog.com that he has not been approached with the proposed contest.
“Nobody has contacted me or my team about a fight with Nick Diaz for a supposed September fight,” said Vargas, a former two-time boxing world champion. “I have not been in the gym but I have been running and keeping myself in shape. If they're serious about fighting me then put the money where their mouth is and let's see what they're talking about.”
The episode of “Inside MMA” featuring Diaz and Gracie will air on Friday night at 9 p.m. ET on HDNet. Also featured on the episode will be Strikeforce lightweight king Gilbert Melendez, UFC hall of famer Royce Gracie, former Sengoku middleweight champ Jorge Santiago and special guest host Michael Schiavello.
This item was updated at 6:55 p.m. ET to include information obtained from Nick Diaz's manager, Cesar Gracie.
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