SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Julio Diaz (34-4, 25 KOs) is looking to make a statement when he returns to action against promising prospect David Torres (20-0, 13 KOs) on Wednesday, June 25 at the world famous Playboy Mansion, live on ESPN2 at 11:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT.

“This is somewhat of a comeback fight for me,” said Diaz, who is trained by his older brother Joel Diaz.  “It feels like I'm at the plate with two strikes.  I can't allow myself to get that third strike.  If that happens I’ll fall out of the big picture.”

Diaz is coming off a loss in October to Juan Diaz that cost him his IBF lightweight title.  Two consecutive losses would hinder Diaz’ desire to compete against the premier fighters in the stacked and powerful lightweight division.

“I can’t afford a letdown against Torres,” said Diaz, who is promoted by Sycuan Ringside Promotions of San Diego, Calif.  “He’ll be hungry to get a win against me.  He would love nothing more than to put a quality name on his resume.  I’m not going to let that happen.”

Diaz, who sensed he needed a change in his camp after the loss to Juan, opted not to bring back his long time trainer Lee Espinoza for his fight against Torres.  Diaz didn’t look far as he tapped brother Joel to help him get back to world championship contention.

“Lee and I are still friends,” Diaz said.  “I just needed a change of scenery.  With Joel leading things, there is a different type of energy in the building.  I can’t explain it, I just know its there.”

Diaz, who has been boxing since the age of six, is proud of the fact that he has the ability to dissect a boxer’s game in just one round.  That type of experience could prove invaluable when he gets in the ring with the young, yet still unproven Torres.

“I’ll know right off the bat if he likes to come forward or counter punch, whether he’s a brawler or a smooth tactician,” Diaz said.  “It’s the little things that will give him away.  The way he stands, the way he moves.  I can just tell.

“This is a critical fight for me.  I want to prove that this is where I shouldn't be.  I belong with the elite.  I don't belong in this category.”

On Wednesday, June 25, Diaz will get his chance to look every bit like a world champion boxer.

“I’ll be ready,” Diaz said.  “I want this victory.”