Masayuki Ito, Christopher Diaz to square off for vacant WBO super featherweight title

Second-ranked Masayuki Ito will square off against unbeaten Christopher Diaz of Puerto Rico for the vacant WBO super featherweight title, the World Boxing Organization said Monday.

Ito’s 12-round contest against the WBO’s No. 1 contender will take place July 28 at the Kissimmee Civic Center in Florida.

“I am really pleased to be able to fight a great fighter like Christopher Diaz for the WBO title. Diaz is a very good fighter with power and speed, but on July 28, I will become the champion,” the 23-year-old Ito was quoted as saying on the WBO’s website.

“I will bring the belt home back to Japan without fail. I have promised my wife and children. I will fight as if my life depended on it.”

The 27-year-old Ito has 23 wins, including 12 knockouts, one draw and one loss. Diaz is 23-0 (15 KOs).

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