David Diaz

David Diaz boxed for the United States at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Diaz was a three-time National Golden Gloves Champion (1993-94, 1996) and a four-time Chicago Golden Gloves Champion. Diaz turned professional after the Olympics, débuting in November 1996 and promptly won his first 26 bouts. In October 2005 Diaz won the IBA lightweight title, a minor crown, with a victory over Juan Polo Perez. However, in August 2006, Diaz claimed a bigger title, the WBC lightweight crown, with a victory by TKO over José Armando Santa Cruz. Diaz held that title until June 2008 when he lost by TKO to Manny Pacquiao. Diaz fought for three more years, losing two of his last four fights. He finished with a career professional record of 36 wins (17 by KO), 4 losses, and 1 draw.

Diaz later became a mentor to troubled youth in Chicago, especially in the Mexican-American community. He was the Grand Marshal of the 2013 Mexican Independence Parade in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood.