Undefeated Kent boxer Julio “Diceman” Ocampo Hernández (7-0, 3 KOs) is set to step into the ring Saturday night at Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, aiming to extend his perfect record while representing the growing boxing scene in South King County.
The 23-year-old lightweight, who trains at Team Benavidez Gym in Burien, headlines a stacked fight card at the EQC Event Center.
Doors open at 6 p.m., with the first bout scheduled for 7 p.m.
“I’ve been training for two and a half months, so I’m in shape and ready to fight,” Ocampo told South King Media. “Mentally, I am excited and focused. I’ve been waiting a long time to fight at the EQC, and now I get to give my people the Vegas fight-style experience.”
Fighting in front of a hometown crowd is personal for Ocampo, who has roots in both Kent and Burien. His rise from a late start in the sport — turning pro at 19 with no amateur bouts — has been fueled by the elite training environment at the Benavidez Gym.
“It’s really helped me grow as a fighter in every way,” he said. “Fighters come from all over the world to train there. It mentally lets me know where I am at skill-wise and where I need to be.”
Ocampo said his focus is on delivering an exciting, pressure-driven performance, though he’s not ruling out a fourth career knockout.
“I’m working on giving my fans a great show,” he said. “I’m ready for a war, but wouldn’t mind ending it early.”
As for his nickname, “Diceman,” the origin is a nod to childhood family gatherings.
“As a kid at the family parties, I was always rolling the dice, so my friends and family started calling me that in Spanish — Dados,” he explained.
Ocampo credits coach Jose Benavidez Sr. as the biggest influence on his career.
“He’s the one that made me believe I could do this,” he said.
For those planning to attend Saturday night’s fight, Ocampo promises a show worth watching.
“I can’t wait to fight on Saturday night, and I will make sure to give you guys an exciting fight,” he said. “Thank you for your support — I can’t wait to see you all!”
As fight night approaches, Ocampo reflected on the deeper meaning behind the moment and shared a message from the heart:
“All I want to add is that this a blessing to be able to do what God has destined for me to do in front of my city and I can’t wait for you to all be apart of it,” he added.
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