01.11.05 – The promotional parties have just started talking, but Frank Maloney, the colorful former bartender who manages World Boxing Organization featherweight champion Scott “The Real McCoy” Harrison, is not wasting any time. Upon hearing the WBO’s official decree that Frank Warren, Harrison’s promoter, and Sycuan Ringside Promotions, which represents No. 1 featherweight contender Joan “The Sycuan Warrior” Guzman, must negotiate this mandatory world title showdown and have it take place within 120 days from Nov. 5, Maloney went into high gear..
Harrison defends his title in his native Scotland Nov. 5 against tough Australian Nedal Hussein, but Maloney is more concerned about the threat from the undefeated Guzman.
“Guzman vs. Harrison is a super fight in my mind,” said Maloney. “I have ordered up tapes of Guzman bouts and I am taking them forthwith to Scott’s trainer and father, Peter Harrison.
“I want Peter and Scott to study those tapes carefully. Joan is highly regarded in America and a victory over him would put Scott on the world map. In America, the people would then say, ‘Who is this Scottish boy? He is the real deal and they would say Scott has got to be taken very seriously.’ “
For his part, Guzman said the videotape “homework” won’t boost Harrison’s chances of keeping the WBO featherweight crown.
“When the first bell rings, Harrison won’t be fighting a tape,” Guzman laughed. “Is it live or is it Memorex? Remember those commercials? Well, when I rush at Harrison I will be 100 percent live.”
Representatives of promoter Warren and Sycuan Ringside Promotions are discussing a possible January showdown between the two furious featherweights.
Showing his extreme confidence, Guzman already has said he has no problem in going to Scotland to challenge Harrison.
Sycuan Ringside Promotions is considered to be the fastest-growing and most dynamic promotional entity in the sport. Sycuan Ringside Promotions made its promotional debut during 2004, but already has or had three world champions and has promoted and presented world title bouts on premium cable networks.
Sycuan Ringside Promotions has many notable boxers in its stable including International Boxing Federation junior featherweight champion Israel Vazquez, former IBF lightweight champ Julio Diaz, undefeated former WBO junior featherweight champ and current WBO No. 1 featherweight Joan Guzman and World Boxing Council No. 1 welterweight contender Carlos Baldomir.
Sycuan Ringside Promotions is led by Glenn Quiroga, president; Willie Tucker Sr., senior vice president; Scott Woodworth, vice president of boxing operations; and Michael Marley, vice president of public relations.