Boxing Training Camp Notes: Joan Guzman

Undefeated former world champion Joan Guzman has never looked so good a month away from a fight.

“We started with a new strength and conditioning coach for this fight, and Guzman is eating five times a day, looking really cut and hitting with a lot of power,” said manager Jose Nunez. “He’s way ahead of schedule. We’d be ready to fight this weekend if we had to.”

Guzman (25-0, 17 KOs), of the Dominican Republic, challenges Jorge Barrios Sept. 16 at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas for his World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior lightweight title.

“I’m excited and ready,” said Guzman, a former WBO junior featherweight champion, who is promoted by Sycuan Ringside Promotions. “I give Barrios a lot of credit. He’s a tough fighter, but I’m not coming to lose. I want to make history in the Dominican Republic as the only fighter with two world titles.”

“We have every confidence Joan can beat Barrios and win his second world championship,” said Glenn Quiroga, President of Sycuan Ringside Promotions.

For his past few fights, Guzman uses a certain motivational tool to get him focused on his opponent.

“We’ve got a life-size cardboard cutout of Barrios,” Nunez said. “When Guzman is doing sit-ups, push-ups, hitting the bag or sparring, the thing is right there in front of him. He definitely knows who he’s training for.”

Guzman captured the WBO junior featherweight title Aug. 17, 2002, by stopping Fabio Oliva in the third round. He successfully defended the title twice before voluntarily vacating the belt to move up in weight.

“This fight is the next step in Joan establishing himself as the best 130-pounder in the world, just as he was at 122 pounds,” said Scott Woodworth, Vice President, Sycuan Ringside Promotions.

About Sycuan Ringside Promotions

Sycuan Ringside Promotions (SRP) of San Diego is the fastest-growing, most dynamic promotional entity in the sport. Making its promotional debut in 2004, SRP already boasts four world champions and has promoted and presented world title bouts across the country on premium cable networks. SRP has many notable boxers in its stable, including World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight world champion Carlos Baldomir, WBC super bantamweight champion Israel Vazquez, International Boxing Federation lightweight interim champion Julio Diaz, World Boxing Association super bantamweight interim champion Celestino Caballero, former World Boxing Organization bantamweight champion Mauricio Martinez and undefeated teenage lightweight sensation Jorge Paez Jr.