Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Eager To Revive Career
Ahead Of June 19th Showdown With “H2O” Sylve!
(June 2nd) Former two-time world champion Joseph "JoJo" Diaz (34-9-1, 15 KOs) is leaving no stone unturned as he prepares for a pivotal crossroads fight against rising contender "H2O" Sylve (13-1, 10 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round super lightweight bout on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California.
The action-packed event, promoted by MF PRO, will
stream live worldwide on
DAZN, giving fight fans around the globe the opportunity
to witness what Diaz believes could be the beginning of a career resurgence.
A veteran of numerous world title fights and one of the most accomplished fighters of his generation, Diaz understands the significance of this matchup. At 33 years old, the former champion remains
motivated by unfinished business and is determined to prove that he still belongs among boxing's elite.
With fight night less than three weeks away, Diaz believes he is benefiting from one of the most productive and disciplined training camps of his professional career. Reflecting on his preparation,
Diaz expressed confidence in the work he has put in behind the scenes.
"This training camp has been exactly what I needed," said Diaz. "I've gotten back to doing the little things right and focused on improving every part of my game. At this age, I'm still hungry to
succeed, and if anything, I'm more motivated now because I know how important this fight is for my career. I've been working hard every day in the gym, getting into great shape, improving my defense,
and making sure I'm mentally ready. Sometimes you have to take an honest look at yourself and make changes, and that's what I've done. I feel energized, focused, and ready to remind everyone that I
still have a lot left to give in this sport."
Diaz knows he faces a dangerous and ambitious opponent in Sylve, a younger fighter looking to make a statement against a former world champion. Discussing the matchup, Diaz acknowledged Sylve's
strengths while making it clear that experience could prove to be the deciding factor.
"Sylve is a young fighter who's trying to make a name for himself, and I respect that because I was in that same position early in my career," said Diaz. "He's talented, confident, and coming into
this fight with a lot of motivation. But I've been in the ring with some of the best fighters in the world and have competed on boxing's biggest stages. Those experiences teach you things that you
can't learn any other way. I know he's going to come ready to fight, but so am I. I still have a lot left to prove, and I want to show the fans that I can still perform at a high level and compete
with anybody in the division."
With many observers viewing the bout as a defining moment in his career, Diaz understands the importance of delivering a statement victory. Speaking about the impact a win could have, Diaz emphasized
that he views this fight as the start of a new chapter.
"A win on June 19 would mean a lot to me because it would show people that I still belong at a high level in this sport," said Diaz. "I know some people have counted me out because of some tough
losses, but I've never lost faith in myself. I've been through ups and downs before, and I've always found a way to come back stronger. Sylve is a young fighter with a lot of ambition, so beating him
would prove that I can still compete with the new generation of fighters. More than anything, this fight is a chance for me to get my career moving in the right direction again. I still have big
goals, and I believe I have a lot left to give to boxing.”
The opportunity to compete in front of his hometown supporters while performing on one of boxing's biggest streaming platforms has provided Diaz with additional motivation. When discussing fighting
in Southern California and on DAZN, Diaz spoke passionately about representing the fans who have supported him throughout his career.
"Fighting at home in Southern California means a lot to me because this is where it all started," Diaz concluded. "The fans here have supported me throughout my entire career, through the good times
and the tough times, and I'm excited to fight in front of them again. Knowing that the fight will be shown live on DAZN and that people all over the world will be watching gives me even more
motivation. I want to put on a great performance, get the win, and remind everyone that I still have a lot left to give in the tank. I've been a world champion before, and I know what it takes to get
back to that level. This is my chance to prove I'm motivated and able to compete with top fighters.
Tickets priced $80 (General Admission), $250 (Ringside) + applicable fees are on sale now just (click here).
Thunder Studios is located at 20434 S Santa Fe Ave, Long Beach, CA 90810.
The event will stream live worldwide on DAZN Boxing, giving boxing fans the opportunity to witness what promises to be an unforgettable night of high-intensity fights and nonstop entertainment.
Headlining the inaugural U.S. event will be an all-action Southern California showdown as Long Beach native Ashton” H2O” Sylve (13-1, 10 KOs) returns home to face former two-time world champion Joseph “JoJo” Diaz of Covina, California (34-9-1, 15 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round super lightweight main event.
The matchup carries all the ingredients of a memorable fight, youth versus experience, rising contender versus proven veteran, and hometown pride versus a former world champion seeking another run at the top. With both Southern California fighters known for their aggressive styles and willingness to trade punches, fans can expect an explosive battle from the moment the opening bell rings.
For Ashton “H2O” Sylve, the opportunity to headline in his hometown adds extra motivation as he looks to reestablish himself among boxing’s top young contenders and continue his climb toward championship contention. The Long Beach native says fighting in front of his community comes with added responsibility and excitement.
Sylve was a hot prospect on the rise until he suffered a brutal knockout loss to Lucas Bohdi in what became the 2024 Knockout of the Year.
“This is a special moment for me because Long Beach raised me and these people have supported me from the beginning,” said Sylve. “There’s nothing like coming home and putting on great performance for my city. I want everyone who comes out to feel proud and leave knowing they watched something special. I plan on putting on a dominant performance and giving my hometown fans a fight they’ll remember.
“I’m still young, I’m still growing, and my goals haven’t changed. I want to climb back up those rankings and put myself right back in position for world title opportunities. Every great journey has challenges, and this fight is another chance for me to prove I’m built for this.”
“Southern California has always shown me incredible support throughout my career, and I’m excited to go out there and perform in front of my fans again,” said Diaz. “I’ve been on the biggest stages and fought world champions, and people know what I bring into the ring.
“Ashton may be coming home looking for a big moment, but my job is to ruin that homecoming story. That’s the reality of boxing. I respect him as a fighter, but I still have goals I want to accomplish and bigger fights I want to land. To get there, I need to make a statement and remind everyone that JoJo Diaz still belongs in major fights.”
The launch of MF PRO into the United States marks a significant step for the company as it looks to establish itself as a major player in boxing by identifying and developing emerging talent while delivering premium events for fight fans.
“We’re extremely excited to officially introduce MF PRO to boxing fans in the United States with an event that reflects who we are and what we plan to build,” said MR Pro President Amer Abdallah. “We wanted our first event to immediately make a statement with some of the top prospects in the USA, and I believe this main event does exactly that.
“Sylve vs Diaz is the type of fight fans love because both guys need to make a statement. We’ve already signed several high-level prospects and some of boxing’s brightest young talents, and our vision is to help build future global stars while creating events that fans genuinely look forward to watching both on screen and in person.
“It’s a unique flair with MF Pro events. Our commitment is to build boxing the way it should be, with top talent fighting competitive fights and showcasing their personalities. That’s what true boxing is.”
MF Pro staged the first card under its own banner at the O2 Arena in London, where Deontay Wilder and Derek Chisora battled in an unforgettable 12-round war. MF Pro representative says they are determined to bring that same level of energy, passion, and excitement to fight fans in the United States. MF Pro Co-founder Mams Taylor also shared his excitement and optimism surrounding the event and the company’s expansion into the United States market.
“June 19 in Long Beach is going to be a special event for so many reasons,” said Taylor. “MF PRO proudly launches in the US after a blistering start in the UK and does so with a group of fighters who are going to lead the charge for the next generation of American superstars.
“H2O Sylve will remind everyone why he is one of the hottest properties in the States, when he faces former world champion Jose Diaz, while J’hon Ingram and David Lopez are going to continue their electrifying and unbeaten progress. We will be adding more top-tier US talents to this card in the coming days, as MF PRO sets out its stall as a coming force in American boxing.
“And June 19 is, personally, a proud moment for me because these young fighters are guys that I found, spotted their potential and signed to our stable, fully in the belief that they will rise to the very top of the sport. Long Beach is the next stop on their journey to world titles, and I cannot wait for them to showcase what they are all about.”
MF Pro is a professional boxing promotion founded in 2024 under the umbrella of Misfits Boxing and its parent company, MF Sports, by internet‑boxing star KSI, longtime music and boxing manager Mams Taylor, and veteran European promoters Kalle and Nisse Sauerland. The company was formally launched as a standalone pro‑boxing arm in 2026, positioned as a sister outfit to the crossover‑focused Misfits Boxing brand.
MF Pro is co‑founded by KSI, the English YouTuber and crossover boxer who co‑founded Misfits Boxing with Mams Taylor and the Sauerland brothers in 2022. Mams Taylor serves as a key executive and boxing promoter within the MF Sports family, bringing his experience managing KSI and building Misfits’ entertainment‑driven product. The Sauerland brothers—Kalle and Nisse, scions of a famous European boxing‑promotional dynasty—oversee the technical, matchmaking, and broadcast side of the operation from the MF Sports group, which owns MF Pro.
MF Pro handles the traditional, sanctioned side of the business, signing and promoting established and rising professionals such as Derek Chisora, Josh Kelly, Harlem Eubank, Michael Conlan, and British cruiserweight champion Viddal Riley. The promotion operates under long‑term broadcast deals with DAZN, giving it a fixed platform for building series and cross‑division matchups while tightly linking its pro‑boxers to the broader crossover‑audience engine of Misfits Boxing.
The company’s stated aim is to blend traditional boxing pedigree with modern media and influencer‑driven exposure, using KSI’s global reach and the Sauerland brothers’ promotional infrastructure to create high‑profile nights of boxing. By positioning MF Pro as a sister brand to Misfits, the founders seek to channel crossover fans into the professional‑boxing ecosystem, while giving established pros new digital and mainstream visibility on global streaming platforms.