"Diaz just backed out on Dec. 12 HBO rematch with Paulie after I closed deal with his promoter," stated promoter Lou DiBella in his latest Twitter post. Over the past few weeks, DiBella had been working closely with Golden Boy Promotions to secure a rematch of the controversial bout between Paulie Malignaggi and Juan Diaz. Diaz won the first fight via unanimous decision with scores of 115-113, 116-112 and an unbelievable 118-110, but the fact that it took place in his hometown of Houston, Texas and two of the judges, Gale Van Hoy of Texas and David Sutherland of Oklahoma, scored the bout so heavily in Diaz's favor left a bitter taste in the mouth of Malignaggi and nearly every boxing fan that witnessed it.
While some fans believe that Malignaggi was flat out robbed of the decision, admittedly, the bout was close and likely came down to one round. That being said, with two judges scoring so widely in favor of Diaz, one has to wonder just how fair of a shake Maliganggi was given to begin with. DiBella was hoping to get the rematch secured and it appeared likely that it would soon be finalized as both promoters, the network and Malignaggi were eager to make it happen. Unfortunately, it looks like Diaz may have other plans. Clearly annoyed that Diaz is unwilling to agree to terms, DiBella posted, "Fuck the people again. Pussy!!!!!!!!"
According to Paulie Malignaggi's official FaceBook page, Diaz turned down the rematch due to the weight at which the bout was going to be contested at. In their first meeting, both fighters met at a catchweight of 138.5 pounds. This time around, the proposed rematch was set to take place at the jr. welterweight limit of 140 pounds, but Diaz insists that the fight take place at the same catchweight of 138.5 pounds.
[ Follow Ben Thompson on Twitter @fighthype ]