A new gig

Dean Juipe

Thursday, June 7, 2001 | 11:20 a.m.

It didn't just fall in his lap.

Mario Diaz had put a lot of time and effort into developing a second career as a TV boxing commentator, as the cable network ESPN2 was aware. He knew the sport and had worked a number of major cards in various roles.

Nonetheless, good fortune can always come as a surprise, as Diaz discovered one afternoon while driving on I-215 in Las Vegas.

"I had to pull over to the side of the road," he said. "It was my agent (at the William Morris agency in New York) telling me that ESPN had called and they wanted me for a new series.

"To be honest, it was out of the blue and it was something I never expected."

Diaz, best known locally as a sports reporter and anchor at KTNV (Channel 13), was tabbed as a partner for Max Kellerman on what is becoming an increasingly popular series that runs Tuesday nights through Aug. 14. The ESPN2 crew, Diaz included, was in town for a card held this past Tuesday night at the Fremont Street Experience and is doing weekly shows from various venues around the country.

Diaz and Kellerman are proving to be an interesting duo.

"We've become best friends in just one month," Diaz said. "We both enjoy boxing and that's what we try to portray."

Diaz, 28, started at KTNV as an intern in 1992 and debuted as a boxing commentator at the first Evander Holyfield vs. Riddick Bowe heavyweight title fight, Nov. 13, 1992, at Caesars Palace. He did the Spanish telecast on the pay-per-view outlet TVKO.

"It was a great gig for a guy still in college," Diaz said. "It got me started and got me locked in to doing it."

In the ensuing years Diaz continued in his Spanish-speaking role and also did English versions of fights telecast from Las Vegas to Malaysia and Europe.

"All of a sudden, people in boxing started to know me," he said.

He and Kellerman are on what Diaz calls a "summer tour" of boxing cards, and their ratings have been solid. "We held our own against the NBA and NHL playoffs," Diaz said. "The network is amazed at the numbers we've produced."

KTNV has been completely cooperative in allowing Diaz to slip away for a day or two every week, although Diaz frequently flies the "red eye" and files advance features to minimize his absences.

"They've been very supportive," Diaz said. "Channel 13 has stepped to the plate for me in every instance."

As can be imagined, he's thrilled with the exposure he's receiving and at holding a prestigious position at the cable network.

"Right now I have the best job of anyone my age in my field," he said, pleased to have become an overnight sensation after years of study.