One-third of the tickets available for undefeated WBO junior lightweight champion Joan Guzman's Monday, December 18, title defense at the Sports Palace here have been sold. What was makes this all the more amazing is that one-third of the 18,000 available seats sold in their first week on sale and that they were sold even though the popular Guzman's title bout challenger has not been named.

"I think is fantastic and so does Guzman," manager Jose Nunez said today. "Guzman is hard at work training in Las Vegas. He is overwhelmed by this instant response. Joan is on a mission to show the world that the Dominican Republic has great boxing talent in addition to all the well-known baseball superstars. Getting this card endorsed by Dominican Republic President Hon. Leonel Fernandez was a great thing and now the box office is on fire. This will be a great and historic night."

Tickets, affordably priced at $50, $30 and $10, may be purchased through TicketMaster in the Dominican Republic. Nunez has set aside a "Golden Diamond Ringside" section for Dominican baseball stars such as David Ortiz, Pedro Martinez and Sammy Sosa.

"We kept the prices reasonable because it is important to Guzman that the people in the barrios can afford to be in the house. This is Guzman's early Christmas present to the people and to the country which gave so much to him. He has not forgotten that he came from a humble beginning in Guachapita."

Guzman's challenger will be named shortly. In the meantime, Nunez said that the rest of the card will be filled by numerous Dominican boxers, including Guzman's brother, 130-pounder Jose Guzman and featherweight Agenis Mendez. Both Jose Guzman and Mendez are considered top prospects and will be making their professional debuts.

The show is being co-promoted by JG Promotions and Jay Boxing in association with Sycuan Ringside Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions.

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