'The Quiet Man' Gethin aiming to make big noise against Diaz

29/05/2013 19:34

British lightweight Martin Gethin (24-3-1) spent almost eight years as a pro yet still never landing at domestic title level.

However, an eleventh round stoppage of former British super featherweight champion Carl Johanneson to claim the IBF International title last September, paved the way for an unexpected British title challenge against Ben Murphy, whom he stopped in nine to capture the vacant strap in January, has taken Gethin to the cusp of a world title.

If he prevails in Friday evening's IBF final eliminator against Panamanian banger Ammeth Diaz (31-11)  at Walsall Town Hall, the 29-year-old known as 'The Quiet Man' is guaranteed a crack at champion Miguel Vazquez (33-3) of Mexico.

But there is enough in Diaz's record to make Gethin wary. The Panama City man's nicknamed "Cloroformo" is backed up by 22 early wins from 31. Though with seven of his eleven losses coming inside the limit, his punch resistance is questionable. Yet against current IBF 135 lb titlist Vazquez he survived a sixth-round knockdown to last the distance, losing by unanimous decision.

Victory for the hometown hero will require total concentration for 12 rounds as he tries to impose his own smart boxing while taking care not to get tagged by the Panamanian's bombs.

Gethin-Diaz is live on BoxNation.


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