Lacy Signs to Box Diaz This Fall!!!!

by Mike Whitman (mwhitman@sherdog.com)

32147
Former IBF super middleweight champion Jeff Lacy has signed on the dotted line to face reigning Strikeforce welterweight king Nick Diaz (Pictured; file photo) in a boxing match in 2011.

The bout, which will reportedly take place this fall, was first proposed last month by Diaz’s manager, Cesar Gracie. Though Gracie initially tried to book Fernando Vargas to face Diaz, a medical issue reportedly ruled Vargas out as a potential foe.

Sherdog.com received a release announcing the bout on Friday and confirmed the news with Gracie shortly thereafter.

As per his contract with Strikeforce, Diaz is allowed to participate in one boxing match in 2011. Gracie confirmed the bout is set unless UFC president Dana White offers Diaz a fight with UFC welterweight king Georges St. Pierre.

“Yes, [the fight is on], unless Dana offers GSP as an alternate sacrifice,” Gracie said.

Lacy, 33, comes off three losses in his last four fights. The former 168-pound IBF king suffered the first defeat of his career in 2006, when he was outpointed by Joe Calzaghe. Though “Left Hook” rebounded with three straight wins, he began his current skid in 2008, losing by unanimous decision to Jermaine Taylor. Recently, the Florida native was outpointed by Roy Jones Jr. in 2009 and Dhafir Smith last year.

Diaz has been tearing up the Strikeforce welterweight division for the last two years. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt owns a 10-fight win streak and most recently finished top contender Paul Daley with a first-round TKO in April. Prior to that victory, the 27-year-old defended his title successfully against the likes of K.J. Noons and Evangelista Santos after winning the vacant strap by knocking out Dream champion Marius Zaromskis in January 2010.

“This is a very dangerous fight for both men. Stylistically, it is very intriguing,” promoter Don Chargin said in a statement. “I expected more resistance from fight fans and media in regards to this matchup, but it’s amazing as to the hundreds of calls and e-mails I’ve received from fans on both sides wanting to see this matchup 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. It’s been a real whirlwind.”