This afternoon 13thround was able to have a one on one conversation with Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz where we discussed his recent bout against Fernando Angulo, the under card fight to the Briggs vs. Liakhovich heavyweight title last Saturday night. If not for the outstanding and consistent job that Baby Bull puts forth in the ring many boxing fans would have gone home once again disappointed in this sport that they love so much. The following is the dialogue from our interview:

When asked if he felt any extra added pressure due to the amount of coverage of the fight to KO Angulo and send a message to all the other lightweight title holders, Juan honestly answered, "I did, when I was in camp I was training real hard focusing on doing the right things in the ring, I think I may have let my emotions get the best of me in that fight." He then continued to say, "I didn't start off like I would have wanted, however after a few rounds my jab started landing, later in the fight I started to land more and I felt good the rest of the night, he was a tough guy to fight moving and swinging wildly but my combinations and defense kept him frustrated."

13thround: How do you feel about unifying the belts?

Baby Bull: My first goal was to be champ, it would be fantastic to get all the belts, which I'm planning to do after I defend my title against the #1 contender. My next fight should take place sometime between January and February in 07. It's a dream for all fighters to be undisputed champ.

13thround: If you were able to choose your next opponent who would you fight and why?

Baby Bull: Casamayor or Freitas, or any of the three champions. I heard Freitas is coming out of retirement to face Casaymayor, I would like to fight either of those guys.

13thround: Last Saturday night you looked to be in top condition. It seemed like you were able to fight another 12 rounds. What do you think has been most important key to your conditioning training? Who has been working with you?

Baby Bull: Brian Caldwell, he is great to work with, I train real hard he has lots of things for me to do. I swim a mile. It adds a lot to my conditioning. I then follow right after with strength and condition training, plus I use the stair master. Back in the day everybody use to run, however with modern advances and technology I think the stair master prepares me better and there are less injuries involved.

13thround: As far as training camp goes, how do you feel about the new training facility that you have been working out of?

Baby Bull: It's smaller than before, but this one is nicer, we have two rings, weights and Stair Master, It's a great place to work out.

13thround: Well now that your fight is over are you going to take some time off? What do you like to do on your off time? Rumors are your going to Miami, is that correct?

Baby Bull: Yeah I love Miami It's a great place to relax and take my mind off of things, we like to go there after my fights. On my time off I like to go fishing and go to school; I'm currently enrolled in college taking one class. I was taking a full load (3 classes) but had to cut back a little due to the promotional aspect of this last fight. Don King really gets the word out on his fights so there were a lot of press engagements before the fight that kept me real busy.

13thround: Many kids out there today think it is easy being a pro fighter. Briefly describe to us and the young kids out there who are thinking of entering into boxing, how much dedication you have spent outside of the physical aspect of the sport learning the business side, and how has education played a role in your career?

Baby Bull: Education is very important, it plays a big part if it were not for the education I have I would not be who I am today. I spend a lot of time educating myself, I'm currently still enrolled in college, you have to know so much about contracts and how agreements work so you can make the right choices in your career. I speak to kids all the time about preparing themselves for the world. Education is KEY!

13thround: We hear you have a children's book coming out, can you tell us a little about this project?

Baby Bull: We are working on it right now. It's kinda a bed time story, the main thing about the book is to listen to your mother and respect her, It's pretty much about the relationship I had growing up with my mother. It's a story about a kid who listens to his mother and things go well for him in life.

13thround: You also got "Homeboy Industries" what inspired you to get that going? 

Baby Bull: I took a trip down to California, I saw what this organization was doing by helping the community in providing jobs for kids involved with gangs or involved in drugs. It gives these kids a chance at a better life. I think it's a great program, I mean I could hire outside people to do my merchandising but I would rather that these guys do it, I want to contribute to my community, that's very important to me.   

13thround: Juan we want to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to sit down and talk with us. I think it is important for fans to be able to get to know you as a person and not only as a fighter. Do you have any last remarks for all your fans out here?

Baby Bull: Thanks for all your support! Fight on, keep on working hard to obtain your goals.

If you would like more info about me or my other projects check out my site. www.juanbabybulldiaz.com