Diaz wins fight, Rojas retains belt

Joseph Diaz Jr got the win, but couldn’t take the title home.

Joseph Diaz Jr couldn’t win the WBA “world” featherweight title on Saturday after missing weight on Friday, but the good news for “JoJo” is he got out with the win in Hollywood, beating Jesus Rojas by decision in Golden Boy’s first-ever Facebook Watch main event.

Diaz (27-1, 14 KO) bounced back from his May loss to Gary Russell Jr to beat Rojas (26-2-2, 19 KO) on scores of 115-113, 116-112, and 117-111.

Diaz, 25, said he’s still interested in fighting at 126, but may have to move up to 130. He also said he’s open to a rematch with Rojas after the competitive bout.

“We won, but unfortunately I don’t get to come home a world champion because of weight issues,” said Diaz. ”I switched my diet this camp because I feel like my body has been changing, and I did something I never usually do to try to make weight. That is what made my body respond in a scary way with arm tingling and just feeling super fatigued

“ If the opportunity comes, I still want a fight at 126 pounds with any of the big guys, but if that doesn’t happen I wouldn’t be opposed to moving up to 130. Rojas came to fight. I don’t think people expected for this to be a tough fight, but it was. I would be willing to get a rematch with him.”

Rojas, 31, had some problems with the decision.

”It was a great fight. Diaz came to fight. We gave a fight that the people deserved,” said Rojas. ”I feel I was more active and that I threw punches. He was tired, and I was able to connect more with punches. The judges are the ones who make the call. One can see it one way, while another sees it another way. The judges make the call.

“I proved myself again the best. He wasn’t the great Joseph Diaz that you saw against other fighters when he was in the ring with me. I still feel I’m one of the top 126-pounders in the world.”