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Puerto Rican contender Christopher Diaz, 26-years-old, explained that because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, opportunities to fight did not present themselves and the balance of his savings account plummeted.
Diaz (26-2) understood that he could not continue with his arms crossed, since he had a family to support.
Diaz knew he had to find some way to produce income. His last engagement in the ring was in June 2020 and no one was knocking on the doors of his residence in Orlando, Florida, with an attractive offer in hand.
“I spent $8,000 in camp for a fight that eventually fell through. That money was from savings. I was at home taking care of my twins when I began to think about what I could do to generate money for my family. I don’t know how to trim (hair), but I can wash cars. I have a duty as a father because with boxing I was not making money,” said Diaz to Carlos Gonzalez.
Thanks to the collaboration of some close friends, Diaz acquired a vehicle to start two businesses related to car washing: ‘Star Detailing and Diaz Detailing’. And some of his clients are established Puerto Rican figures in the Major Leagues, including wide receiver Roberto “Bebo” Pérez and shortstop Francisco Lindor.
“They helped me with expenses and the purchase of a bus to get the business going. I started by promoting it on Instagram and Facebook. Through a contact with Roberto “Bebo” Pérez (receiver for the Cleveland Indians) he gave me his hand. I did the cars for him and then Francisco Lindor’s. Now I’m at a higher level, I’m doing super well and I even have two employees,” Diaz added.
“When I went to Lindor, I was nervous. I had worked on Pérez’s cars, but as soon as I got to the house, Lindor said ‘tell me Pitifulo.’ He is a humble person. I didn’t think it was like that, but it is an example to follow. He immediately gave me confidence. Soon I will work with the vehicles of pitcher José Berrios and his agent. This will continue to grow and thanks to them I have brought bread to my house.”
Diaz, however, assured that he has not renounced his aspirations in boxing.
“I keep training. I will never leave boxing because it is the main source of income. I have my goals clear and they will happen soon. At the moment, I have no offers, but let them know that I can do 122 pounds, 126 and even 130 pounds. I have to keep training because one day they may surprise me with a fight in April or May. For this reason, I have two employees so that we can carry out the work while I train,” concluded Diaz.