Diaz to meet Sanchez at “Battle at the Boat 87”!

Tacoma, WA (May 10, 2012) – Junior lightweight prospect Joel Diaz will look to take another step in the right direction when he battles Guillermo Sanchez Saturday, June 2 in the main event of “Battle at the Boat 87.”

The card is promoted by Halquist Productions and takes place at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, WA. Tickets start at $25 and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets or by visiting the EQC box office.

The hard-hitting Diaz is a perfect 9-0 with 8 KO’s as a professional and is one of the top young talents on the west coast. On January 20, 2012, Diaz stopped previously unbeaten Guy Robb in seven rounds on ShoBox: The New Generation. In his most recent bout, the 20-year-old Palmdale, CA native battered veteran Yogli Herrera, forcing him to quit on his stool after four rounds.

Rough, tough and battle tested, Sanchez’ resume speaks for itself. The Puerto Rican shared the squared circle with world champion Adrien Broner, contender Edner Cherry and undefeated prospects Mark Davis and Ronny Rios. Dubbed as “The Vampire,” Sanchez, 13-6-1 (5 KO’s), twice won bouts in the backyard of previously unbeaten opponents, outpointing Rod Salka and Eddie Irizarry.

Diaz-Sanchez is scheduled for ten rounds.

Retired Marine and crowd favorite Nate Serrano, 4-1 (1 KO), of Yakima, WA will look to win his second straight bout when he challenges Portland, OR’s Osvaldo Rojas in a six round welterweight contest. Serrano’s fresh off a dramatic second round stoppage of Nicholas Balestra while Rojas, 6-2-1 (2 KO’s), makes his first start since 2010.

Also appearing on the undercard is Canadian sensation Sarah Pucek against an opponent to be named. Other undercard bouts will be announced shortly.

Doors open at 6 pm and the opening bell is scheduled for 7.

During the last 23 years, Halquist Productions built a reputation in the boxing world for their loyalty, honesty and integrity. In 1997, Halquist Productions ran their inaugural “Battle at the Boat” series, which remains successful to this day. Halquist Productions promoted many world title bouts and their fight cards have been seen on ESPN, HBO and Showtime.