Lightweight veterans David Diaz and Jesus Chavez will clash in a 10-round main event at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago on September 26th, it was announced by the bout's promoter 8 Count Productions.

At press time, the bout is not scheduled to be broadcast live on a television network but the matchup of former lightweight titleholders should be an attraction in Chicago, where both Diaz and Chavez grew up.

Diaz, a 1996 U.S. Olympian and former WBC lightweight titleholder, was born and raised in Chicago, where he still makes his home. The 33-year-old southpaw has not fought since losing his title in a one-sided ninth-round stoppage to Manny Pacquiao last June.

Prior to the Pacquiao bout, Diaz defended his title against Erik Morales at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill. in front of 10,000 fans. The close unanimous decision over the former three-division titleholder in August of 2007 was the last time Diaz (34-2-1, 17 KOs) fought near the Chicago area.

Chavez (44-5, 30 KOs) was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, raised in Chicago and is currently based in Austin, Texas. The 36-year-old boxer is a former WBC 130-pound titleholder and IBF lightweight beltholder. He has not fought since suffering an eighth-round stoppage to Michael Katsidis in April.

“We’re thrilled to be present this terrific bout between these two Chicago champions. David is incredibly popular here in Chicago,” said Dominic Pesoli, president of 8 Count Productions. “Jesus has fought all over the world but never in Chicago where he was raised. He’s always wanted to come back and fight here and has expressed to me how much this means to him.”

Said Diaz, “This fight means a great deal to me, the opportunity to come home and fight in front of the terrific Chicago fight fans. They’ve always been very supportive of me. Jesus has been a world class fighter for many years and the fans are going to see an outstanding Chicago style fight on September 26th.”