SANTO DOMINGO –Only 10 shopping days until Christmas and only three shopping days until boxing’s most popular attraction, Manny Pacquaio, celebrates his 28th birthday. Undefeated WBO super featherweight champion Joan Guzman’s Christmas gift list is long and he will not be able to work on it until after his title defense here Monday, December 18, against Antonio “TRex” Davis..
Guzman is, however, done shopping for Emmanuel D. Pacquaio’s big birthday celebration and he wants his future rival to know that, despite being in training camp in Las Vegas and flying to the Dominican Republic last night, with his entire team, he did not forget the Pacman’s special day.
“Oh no,” Guzman said upon arrival in his home town, “how can I forget Manny? I hope that Manny does not forget me when it comes to picking opponents in 2007. Besides, I always felt bad for the kids who have a birthday so close to Christmas. They are often overlooked and I did not want to see this happen to my Fillipino friend.”
So what do you give the slugger who seems to have everything? Upon the suggestion of manager Jose Nunez, Guman’s gift to Pacquaio is business related. Business related, yes, but also one which should provide some pre-holiday entertainment in the Pacman household in far off General Santos City, Philippines.
“I have bought Manny an internet viewing of my title bout and the other spectacular bouts which will be seen exclusively live on maxboxing.com,” Guzman said. “I was going to invite Manny, Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez to come to my beautiful country and be my special guests at the show but I know Manny is busy with all the birthday hullabaloo and my two Mexican rivals are busy with their families and getting ready for the holidays,” Guzman said.
On second thought, Guzman decided to go into his own pocket for two more subscriptions to see the bouts on maxboxing.com.
“I will place the order today because the price is a mere $9.95,” Guzman said. “It is like a pre-holiday special price to see some great boxing. This way, I can buy showings of the maxboxing,com webcast for Marco, Juan Manuel and Manny and save some money because on Monday, December 18, the price is going up to $12.95. Am I a smart boxing shopper or what? I see this a great stocking stuffer for any real boxing fan.
Guzman, who has dazzling hand and foot speed and a marvelous defense, is not expecting a cake walk with American Davis.
“This kid is coming to spoil my holiday homecoming. His record is a good one at 20-2 and he won a Pan Am Games gold medal in the amateurs. He is no easy opponent. But I know I must shine brightly so I remain in the mix with Marco, Manny and Juan Manuel Marquez. The 130-pounders are hot right now. A lot of great fights can be made with the top four.
“I hope Manny eats a lot of cake and ice cream,” Guzman said. “Maybe they will soften the Filpino Tiger up for the eventual night when we meet. I think Pacman and I will be like the Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali of the junior lightweight or super featherweight division. When we fight, and we will, look for a classic match up. By the way, Manny is Little Frazier and I am Little Ali.”
Guzman had one last comment to offer.
“I want to thank all my wonderful fans for all their support in 2006. Look for even bigger things from me in the coming year. I even want to thank the haters because they bring passion to the sport and the passion of all the fans is what puts money in all world champions’ pockets, including in mine. I say we can never forget the fans because they can make us or break us. Finally, to one and all and especially to all my fellow Dominicans and our great President Leonel Fernandez, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. And I wish happy holidays to my co-promoters, Golden Boy and Sycuan and their staffs, and to everyone in the boxing world.”