Nick Diaz : The Cheech Of MMA Is Now The Chong Of Boxing

Boxing promoter Don Chargin has signed Nick Diaz to a boxing contract.

Diaz, who is well-renowned for his marijuana issues in the past, has decided to expand his career options after refusing to take a mandatory pre-drug test for his next scheduled bout against Jay Hieron. 

On April 10, 2007, the Nevada State Athletic Commission announced that Diaz failed the pre-fight drug test that was taken before his bout against Takanori Gomi, which he won in the first round by via submission. 

However, after testing positive for marijuana, the NSAC proclaimed the fight a "No Contest" and suspended him for 6 months with a fine of 20% of his earnings. NCAS felt that the result of Diaz's THC test, was a contributing factor in his performance during the fight.

Diaz, who has a medical marijuana licence in the state of California, isn't going to let his past effect him.

Where do you go when you refuse to take a drug test and many consider you the "Arturo Gatti" of MMA?

According to Hall-of-Fame boxing promoter Don Chargin, boxing is the answer.

"I know the signing of a mixed martial arts fighter might be considered controversial by many boxing fans across the world," said Chargin in a release.

"When the subject of mixed martial arts versus boxing arises, it always comes down to the boxer winning a boxing match easily and vice versa for MMA. However, after having seen the replays of Diaz's fights over the course of his career, I truly believe that this kid has what it takes to really make for some very entertaining fights within boxing. While some would state that he's merely a slugger possessing a good chin and a heavy work-rate, there's something about his rhythm and fighting intelligence that really caught my eye." 

Let's just hope the boxing world is a little more weed friendly...