ESPN 2 Friday Night Fights Joan Guzman vs Jesus Pabon Presser

By Laz Izada – Wedsnesday afternoon at Duffys Sports Grill in North Miami Beach Acquinity Sports held its press conference for its upcoming show “D-Day, Dominican Domination” this Friday night March 2 on ESPN 2 Friday Night Fights 9pm est, taking place at The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa Convention Center in Hollywood, Fl.

Promoter Henry Rivalta of Acquinity Sports was the host of the event, excitement and anticipation filled the air as Dominican boxing superstar Joan”Baby Tyson” Guzman (31-0-1, 18 KOs) was the main attraction after recently signing an exclusive promotional contract with Acquinity Sports.
Guzman a former Olympian represented his native Dominican Republic as a flyweight in the Olympic games of 1996. He composed an impressive amateur record of 310 wins and 10 defeats. He turned pro in 1997. Formerly promoted by Don King he held world titles in the Super Featherweight (130 lbs) and the Lightweight (135 lbs) divisions. He had two classic match-ups against African star Ali Funeka. They dueled to a draw in 2009, then Guzman won the rematch in 2010 by split decision.

Guzman now at 35 is looking to return to his championship form moving up to the Jr.Welterweight (140 lbs) division, where he is ranked # 8 by the IBF.

He returns to the limelight this Friday night on ESPN 2 Friday Night Fights main event against experienced hard fighting 31 year old, Puerto Rican Jesus Pabon (17-2, 11 KOs).

In the press conference Pabon mentioned that he has “prepared well for this fight and that Guzman better be ready as he is coming to fight and win”. While Guzman mentioned to me via after press conference interview that he knows that “Pabon will put up a good fight and that he will defeat him, and remain undefeated, and he is challenging all the top fighters at 140 lbs”. Guzman states ” that he is still the best because he remains undefeated, until another boxer proves otherwise by beating him”. His new trainer Herman Caicedo believes that Guzman is special and is a”phenanomal” talent.

The Co-Main Event of the night feautures local hometown boxer Ed “The Lion” Paredes (29-3-1, 19 KOs) against Mexican Manual Leyva ( 21-4, 12 KOs), in a ten rounder for the WBA, WBO, and WBC Welterweight (147 lbs) Latino Titles. Paredes is ranked # 12 by the WBA and WBO and # 13 by WBC. If he continues to impress he should move up in the rankings and hopefully land a major fight with a top five ranked opponent in the loaded welterweight division. That is the plan as Acquinity Sports boxing promoter Henry Rivalta discussed with me.

Also fighting Friday night on the undercard former Dominican team Olympians turned pro, Claudio Marrero 10-0, and Juan Carlos Payano 9-0 in separate bouts. Former Cuban Olympian Humberto Savigne 8-1 will also be showcased.

Acquinity Sports next boxing show will take place in May at a yet undecided site, as Acquinity Sports Event Coordinator Dina Mullaney tells me they are exploring their options with the Westin Diploma Resort & Spa and other venues in South Florida.

Also down the road if not in May look for the electrifying always exciting heavyweight star Shannon Briggs of Acquinity Sports to make his return in the squared circle.

Tickets for this Friday Night March 2, at The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa Covention Center in Hollywood,Fl are $25 and can be purchased by calling 305-917-5656.

Doors open at 6:30pm with first bout at 7:00pm