According to a press release, former IBF super-middleweight champion Jeff "Left Hook" Lacy has formally agreed to face Strikeforce welterweight champion Nick Diaz in a professional boxing bout. There is no word on whether or not Diaz will agree to the bout or which weight class this fight will be contested at should it be made.
Jeff Lacey Signs Agreement To Face Nick Diaz In Boxing Bout
While no fighters, particularly not champions, are contractually able to compete in other sports during a UFC tenure (or without specific UFC approval), Diaz’s Strikeforce contract allows the freedom to compete in a professional boxing contest.
“This is a very dangerous fight for both men. Not only is this fight dangerous but stylistically it is very intriguing. I expected more resistance from fight fans and media in regards to this match-up but its amazing as to the hundreds of calls and e-mails I’ve received from fans on both sides wanting to see this match-up take place. I’ve received more than a few inquiries from some other very high-profile boxers that want to step up and fight Nick. Its been a real whirlwind,” says promoter Don Chargin.
“I’ve been around boxing for quite some time and I’ve seen a lot of great, tough fighters in my six decades within the sport,” Chargin said. “I believe that if Nick had been one of those kids who had picked up boxing from a youth, he’d undoubtedly be a world-champion today. Sometime within the next 2 weeks I’ll be personally making the trek to Cesar Gracies gym to setup a private, closed door sparring session between Nick and a few nameless top-level contenders I have in mind.”
More on this story as it develops.
See More:
