Rocha, a 28-year-old welterweight contender from nearby Santa Ana, was emotional during his post-fight speech as he explained his painful 15-month layoff.

Rocha (26-2-1, 16 KOs) was fighting for the first time since his December 2024 firefight and majority draw against Raul Curiel. After recovering from a torn left biceps tendon, he was supposed to face Curiel in a January rematch but was forced to pull out the day of the weigh-in following a botched weight cut that left him hospitalized.

“Fifteen months can do some damage to you, and I had a grueling recovery,” Rocha said after beating Diaz. “I didn't feel 100%, but that's no excuse. I had a tough guy in front of me in JoJo. He's a dog and brought it. I am still looking to get better. We learn every time we step inside the ring.”

Rocha comfortably outmuscled and outboxed the smaller Diaz to get the win, outlanding him 250-142.

With the victory, Rocha reclaimed his spot in The Ring's top 10 ratings. The decade-long welterweight is now listed at No. 9 after getting dropped from the rankings once his clash against Curiel was canceled. Rocha aims to further improve his position by facing the top three options within his promotional stable.

Chief among them is WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia, followed by Arnold Barboza, and eventually, rescheduling with Curiel.

“I'll put a beating on Ryan if we fight. I'm confident,” said Rocha. “That's a fight that I want, a good fight for me and God willing, it happens.

“I was impressed with Ryan's performance against Mario Barrios. Ryan looked really good in there. I thought Barrios looked drained, but Ryan capitalized on that.

“My dream and my job is to be a world champion, and I want that challenge and opportunity.”

Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan