SAN DIEGO, 15 May 2004 — Mexican-American Julio Diaz captured the International Boxing Federation lightweight title on Thursday with a 12-round majority decision over Mexico’s Javier Juaregui.

Diaz outboxed Juaregui, although the champion did land some solid shots in the latter stages. Two judges scored it 118-110 for Diaz, while the third called it 114-114.

Journeyman Juaregui had captured the title by stopping American Levander Johnson in the 11th round in November. The title had been vacated by Paul Spadafora when he moved up to the 140-pound class.

Juaregui, who turned pro at the age of 14 in 1988, fell to 47-11-2 with 34 wins inside the distance. Diaz, 24, won his sixth fight in a row and improved to 30-2, with 22 wins inside the distance.

Tarver Seeks to Avenge Defeat Against Jones

Antonio Tarver believes he beat Roy Jones in their World Boxing Council light heavyweight title fight last November, so in the rematch in Las Vegas today he doesn’t plan to leave the outcome in the hands of the judges.

Jones claimed Tarver’s WBC title with a majority decision in Las Vegas on Nov. 8, a result that was greeted by boos from the crowd and which has rankled with Tarver ever since.

“It was a bitter pill to swallow, knowing he was not a better fighter than me,” Tarver said.

Tarver, 32, handed Jones the worst punishment of his career and Jones was clearly struggling before he rallied in the late rounds to claim the narrow decision.

Jones, who had moved up to claim the World Boxing Association heavyweight title eight months earlier, blamed his lack of stamina on the loss of 20 pounds (9 kg) in eight weeks to get back to the light heavyweight limit.

Tarver, who boasts a record of 21 victories against two defeats with 17 wins inside the distance, says Jones won’t have those excuses this time around.

“If he doesn’t perform, if he doesn’t show up, everybody is going to know that the first fight wasn’t a fluke. I am going to put the finishing touches on Roy Jones once and for all,” he said.

But Tarver said that Jones’ reputation means he has to put the verdict beyond doubt. “This fight will not go 12 rounds,” Tarver said.

“If the playing field was level, I could beat him by decision. I beat him by decision the last time. I don’t trust that. So, I’m going in to hurt the guy. I am going to finish him.”

Jones, who brings a record of 49-1, with 38 wins inside the distance, to the bout, remained unruffled. “I just want to show him that when I’m on my day, no, you can’t beat me at all,” Jones said.