Tszyu, Mitchell, Guzman and Licona Speak.
| Two of boxing’s most talented pound-for-pound fighters will square off in a highly anticipated rematch when International Boxing Federation (IBF) “Super†140-Pound champion Kostya Tszyu defends his title against interim IBF junior welterweight champion Sharmba Mitchell Saturday, Nov. 6, 2004, on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING. |  Click for larger image © Tom Casino |
In the co-feature, World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior featherweight champion Joan Guzman will defend his title for the second time when he takes on WBO No. 13 contender Marcos Licona.
KOSTYA TSZYU (30-1, 24 KOs)
“I am happy to be fighting back on SHOWTIME in a place where there is a lot of personal history. It was in Phoenix that I beat the great, great Julio Cesar Chavez. I am very excited about Saturday night. Twenty-two months is a long time between fights. But life is all about challenges, and I like to challenge myself, which is why I am taking this fight now. To return to the ring after one injury, then two, in this type of match-up will not be easy but I am ready. I feel I do not have to prove myself to anyone. Expect to see a lot of interesting surprises from me. I have a lot of different strategies. You will see something from me you have never seen before. I hope a lot of fans who cannot be here tune in to SHOWTIME.’’
SHARMBA MITCHELL (55-3, 31 KOs)
“I am still knocking on wood that this fight happens. I am here to do a job and that is to fight Kostya Tszyu for the undisputed world junior welterweight championship. I know what I am supposed to do and I am going to do it. I appreciate Kostya giving me a second chance; I believe I am the first one he has ever given a rematch too. I am not going to let this opportunity go by easily.’’
JOAN GUZMAN (21-0, 17 KOs)
“I am glad too be fighting on SHOWTIME and to be fighting again in Phoenix where I made my pro debut. I hope everyone enjoys our fight because it is going to be a great.’’
MARCOS LICONA (21-4-1, 7 KOs)
“I have waiting a long time for the opportunity to fight for a world title. No way should anyone avoid watching both these fights because they will regret it. Joan Guzman is undefeated and a great champion, but I have fought some great fighters and feel that has helped me as I get ready for Saturday. This is going to be a great fight.’’