09.01.04 – The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation announced today the newest addition to their business enterprises–Sycuan Ringside Promotions, the first of its kind by any tribal nation or casino in the nation. Unlike entities which historically have paid “site fees” to outside boxing promoters, Sycuan already has signed an exclusive promotional agreement with undefeated WBO junior featherweight champion Joan “Little Tyson” Guzman and has a bout agreement for an International Boxing Federation lightweight title eliminator featuring world-ranked contender Julio “The Kidd” Diaz.
“Sycuan is excited to announce the creation of Sycuan Ringside Promotions,” said Tribal Chairman Daniel Tucker. “The tribe continues to diversify its economic base, while at the same time maximizing and cross-promoting our existing business enterprises. This venture will further secure the tribe’s economic stability, while enhancing the experience of our customers.”
Tribal Treasurer Glenn Quiroga played a key role in spearheading this new initiative. “As a life-long San Diegan and a big fan of boxing, it makes me proud to be a part of this effort,” said Quiroga. “This new venture helps fill the demand for boxing entertainment in San Diego and south of the border. It also adds a new dimension to the economy of Sycuan and the region as a whole.”
San Diego resident Scott Woodworth, who has been an executive with leading boxing promoters Don King and Bob Arum, said television networks would find Sycuan a pleasure with which to deal.
“Sycuan can offer ESPN, Univision, HBO, Showtime and all the rest something that no other promoter offers,” said Woodworth. “Through Sycuan, which may do some boxing events at its own casino, and the multitude of other Native American casinos we hope to partner with, the TV networks can obtain the continuity and dependability in scheduling and locating boxing events. The TV executives won’t have to move their expensive trucks and equipment just before an event because some promoter and a casino have had a last-minute dispute. This is something the Kery Davises, Bob Yalens and Jay Larkins at the TV networks should welcome with open arms.”
Michael Marley, New York lawyer and long-time boxing journalist and manager, is also a consultant to Sycuan Ringside Promotions.
“Give all the credit to the Sycuan leadership and Scott Woodworth,” said Marley. “This has been Scott’s vision for five years. Sycuan has two great building blocks with Guzman and Diaz. I want to thank Guzman’s astute manager, Rafael Guerrero, who was quick to see the brilliance in this promotional concept. Guerrero and Guzman could have signed with any promoter but they see what a fantastic future the Sycuan team will have. Now boxers who have been abused, misused and confused by other promoters have a wonderful option, an alternative to the typical trickeration they encounter.”
Guzman, from the Dominican Republic, has a record of 20-0 with 16 knockouts. Diaz, from Coachella, Calif., has a record of 28-2 with 21 knockouts and is scheduled to fight Courtney Burton in that IBF-mandated and sanctioned lightweight title-elimination bout.