By Scott Gilfoid: I don’t know what everyone is getting upset about, I totally agree with the Ali Funeka (30-2-3, 25 KO’s) vs. Joan Guzman (29-0-1, 17 KO’s) bout being scored a 12 round draw. In fact, that’s exactly the way I scored it on Saturday night. Funeka’s co-promoter said “Let me put it to you this way, Ali got screwed and he didn’t even get kissed.” But if they want to blame anyone, they should look at Funeka. He’s the one that decided to only jab the first six rounds of the fight. The vacant International Boxing Federation lightweight title was on the line for the fight, which took place on the undercard of the Lucian Bute vs. Librado Andrade bout at the Pepsi Coliseum, in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
Joan Guzman
Funeka-Guzman: Was Ali Ripped Off Again?
By Peter Wells: Last night, Joan Guzman and Ali Funeka fought to a majority draw, it was for the vacant International Boxing Federation Lightweight title. The scores were 114-114 twice while one judge gave it to Funeka 116-112. It was a close fight and we all would like to know who won. So here is what happened in their fight round by round:
Bute-Andrade; Guzman-Funeka Previews
By Peter Wells: Tomorrow is to set up another 2 fascinating bouts between four great fighters. One will take place as the main event and for the International Boxing Federation super middleweight title; the other is for the IBF Lightweight title between two very good fighters.
First I’ll go to our main attraction, Lucian Bute is the champion and so far in his 24 fights as a professional. His challenger is looking for revenge after last October’s controversial victory.
Guzman Defeats Diaz – Boxing News
By Manuel Perez: Former World Boxing Organization (WBO) super bantamweight champion Joan Guzman (29-0, 17 KOs), now fighting as a lightweight, defeated Ameth Diaz (25-8, 19 KOs) by a one-sided 12-round unanimous decision in an WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator on Saturday night at the Palacio de Deportes, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The final judges’ scores were 120-108, 119-109 and 119-108. Guzman, 32, who was supposed to fight Nate Campbell in September but was unable to make weight and had to cancel the fight.
Guzman-Diaz, Holyfield-Valuev; Johnson Lashes Out Against Tarver-Dawson2 – Boxing News
Joan Guzman (28-0, 17 KOs) is in his native Dominican Republic to take on World Boxing Association (WBA) Fedelatin lightweight champion Ameth Diaz (25-7, 19 KOs) of Panama this Saturday, Dec. 20, from El Palacio de los Deportes in Guzman’s hometown of Santo Domingo.
The 12-round fight is promoted by Jay Boxing Promotions and will be Guzman’s first since outpointing Soto last November. The bout also serves as a WBA lightweight title eliminator.
Campbell vs. Guzman: Look For An Easy Win For Joan
By Manuel Perez: WBO/IBF lightweight champion Nate Campbell (32-5-1, 25 KOs) will put his titles on the line on Saturday night against former two-time champion Joan Guzman (28-0, 17 KOs) at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, in Biloxi, Mississippi. Guzman, 32, is trained by Floyd Mayweather Sr. and, as one would guess, has a fighting style very similar to Floyd Mayweather Jr., which entails a lot of defensive movements, pot shots, flurries and lateral movement. It’s a frustrating style for most fighters to have to deal with, which makes him so dangerous as a fighter.
His power is marginal, but he more than makes up for it with his fast hands. However, he is at a slight disadvantage going into this bout as he’s moving up from the super featherweight division to take on the bigger, more powerful Campbell, and that can possibly be a problem for him. Guzman won’t likely try to stand and trade with Campbell like Nate’s last opponent did, Juan Diaz, because Guzman probably realizes that would be a recipe for defeat. Campbell is much more rugged and powerful than Guzman, and if the two were forced to go at it at close quarters for 12 rounds, Guzman would probably be taken out long before the final bell.
Boxing News: Guzman-Campbell Verbal War
Nate Campbell: Joanie, Joanie, Joanie. You still don’t get it. Let me see if I can make this clear. YOU ARE NOT MY MANDATORY. Casamayor is. And if Casa don’t sign, you STILL might not be my mandatory. Unless Paco elevates you over Khan as my mandatory (which he hasn’t done yet, regardless of what you think you heard), you don’t matter at all. So enough of all your yapping..
Boxing News: Hatton-Lazcano, Mijares-Munoz, Guzman-Campbell
In stark contrast to the circulating stories of an illness during training camp, which turned out to be nothing more than a fleeting minor virus, IBO/Ring Light Welterweight World Champion Ricky Hatton extended an open invitation to the British press yesterday to witness a rigorous display of his healthful condition. There has been no denial from Team Hatton that Ricky picked up a virus for a short period, but he was so far advanced in his training that he was already preparing to cut back.
Boxing News: De La Hoya, Joan Guzman, David Diaz
The current “Golden Boy” and legendary champion Oscar de la Hoya will pay tribute to the original Los Angeles “Golden Boy” Art Aragon, who died this year at the age of 88. “Art Aragon meant so much to boxing and the Los Angeles community,” said De La Hoya, who was called “Golden Boy” soon after winning his 1992 Olympic gold medal. “With his passing this March, I thought it was only fitting to dedicate my fight to him and acknowledge his great contribution to boxing and the community. I am glad his family will be able to be there for this special night..”
Joan Guzman-Alex Arthur
Alex Arthur faces the toughest test of his career when he tackles Joan Guzman on May 3 – but is backing massive Edinburgh support to ensure he is victorious. The Scotsman challenges Guzman for the full WBO super-featherweight title, and knows he has got his work cut out against one of the best fighters in the world. But interim WBO champion Arthur, 26-1 (19) says his home fans could be the key to victory, as the super fight goes ahead at the Meadowbank Arena, Edinburgh..
” With my fans behind me I know I can beat Guzman and prove that I belong at world level,” said the 29-year-old Edinburgh ace.
” Make no mistake, Guzman is a dangerous customer and he fully deserves his reputation as one of the pound for pound greats.
” The bookies will have me as a pre-fight underdog, but that doesn’t bother me – I know I’ve got the beating of him.