This week’s conference call with Joan Guzman and Jorge Barrios did not produce any bad blood between the two fighters but it did produce a prediction from one fighter. Barrios predicted a win for himself via fourth round knockout. Barrios told the media, “I am not coming to Las Vegas for a vacation. I am coming to knock this guy out; I’m predicting I’m going to knock him out in the fourth round.” The fight between Guzman and Barrios could headline its own boxing event but, on September 16, 2006 at the MGM Grand it will be the co-feature for Marco Antonio Barrera vs. Rocky Juarez II.
There will be a third title fight on the card will be Israel Vasquez vs. Jhonny Gonzales for Vasquez’s WBC 122-pound championship [Editor’s note: Vasquez also won the IBF title and didn’t lose it in the ring].
On the conference call, there was a short question and answer period with Joan Guzman, himself a former world titlist at 122 pounds. During the session Guzman (25-0) was asked if he would have the same punching power at 130 pounds that he displayed at 122 pounds. Guzman was not sure stating, “hopefully, but please keep in mind the opponents I am fighting are a lot better.” On the other hand, he did say he felt stronger at 130 pounds and it was his decision to move up in weight because there are bigger names at the junior lightweight division.
In reference to Barrios, Guzman stated he is hungrier than Barrios. He also believes there is a chance that Barrios is burned out from having to make 130 for so long. Guzman ended his session saying, “I hope Barrios is in great shape because I am and I will bring him the best fight ever.”
Then Barrios had his turn to answer some questions. He was asked about the possibility of defeating an undefeated fighter for the third time in a year and a half (that would be Mike Anchondo and Janos Nagy]. Barrios (46-2-1) responded, “I am not coming to Las Vegas for a vacation. I am coming to knock this guy out; I’m predicting I’m going to knock him out in the fourth round.”
As far as Guzman’s moving up in weight is concerned, Barrios said he is not looking past Guzman. But after taking care of business with Guzman, he will look to move up in weight and fight Acelino Freitas because that is the fight he really wants. A Freitas vs. Barrios rematch would be welcomed by boxing fans that were fortunate enough to see their classic first match, won by Freitas by twelfth-round stoppage.
Joan Guzman would beg to differ, but the questions will remain until September 16: will Barrios have technical difficulties handling Guzman’s polished boxing technique? Or, will Barrios record another knockout of an undefeated, hungry fighter setting up the Freitas rematch that is still on his mind?
