A ceremony to recognize the career of former world champion Juan Diaz took place in Houston, Texas, on Monday where the World Boxing Association (WBA) presented the Centennial belt to “Baby Bull” in a significant and emotional event.

WBA President Gilberto Jesus Mendoza presented the belt personally and thanked Diaz for having represented the black and gold colors throughout his career, in addition to valuing his way of working beyond boxing today. 

Diaz was grateful and moved by the award in a speech in which he recalled his best moments and talked about the importance that the WBA has had for his career from every point of view. 

Diaz was a former WBA lightweight champion. He won the belt against Lakva Sim in July 2004 and made 7 defenses of the belt until losing to Nate Campbell in March 2008.

The Houston native has proven to be a great athlete and a great person, which is directly linked to the values of the WBA and is a source of pride for the WBA.