LAS VEGAS, Nev. – (Aug. 24, 2006) – With a chest and arms so chiseled he looks as though he could go 12 rounds without breaking a sweat, undefeated former world champion Joan Guzman’s sculpted body, along with his tremendous stamina and lightning-quick speed, just might ensure his title bout with Jorge Barrios for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior lightweight title doesn’t go the distance..
“It’s been hard work to get where I am,” said Guzman (25-0, 17 KOs), of the Dominican Republic, who challenges current WBO 130-pound champion Barrios Sept. 16 at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. “But I feel really good. I’m in such good condition and this has been a great camp. Everybody is loose. After Sept. 16, there won’t be any question who the best 130-pounder in the world is.”
Guzman admits he had a bit of trouble with his weight in his most recent bout, against former International Boxing Federation lightweight champion Javier Jauregui May 6, 2006, in Las Vegas and his first bout since voluntarily relinquishing his WBO junior featherweight title. However, Guzman is well ahead of schedule for this upcoming bout.
“The difference between then and now is that before, I let the weight control me; now I control the weight,” said Guzman, who is promoted by Sycuan Ringside Promotions. “I’m eating much better and my focus is completely on this fight in everything I do and everything I eat.”
“Sycuan Ringside Promotions is very proud to be with Guzman,” said Glenn Quiroga, President of Sycuan Ringside Promotions. “With his skill and determination, he’ll be a marquee fighter for years to come.”
Since joining Sycuan Ringside Promotions, Guzman has changed his nickname to the “Sycuan Warrior.”
“Sycuan has backed me up every step of the way; they have treated me right and have helped get me where I am today and where I’ll be in the future,” Guzman said. “I’m proud to be the ‘Sycuan Warrior.’ ”
Guzman captured the WBO junior featherweight title Aug. 17, 2002, by stopping Fabio Oliva in the third round and successfully defended that title twice before vacating it to move up in weight.
“Guzman is about to make it on to everybody’s pound-for-pound lists,” said Scott Woodworth, Vice President, Sycuan Ringside Promotions. “This guy is a shooting star and will be a star for a long time.”