Campbell-Guzman set for September 13

By Socrates Palmer Jr

02/07/2008

Campbell-Guzman set for September 13

Negotiations between representatives of WBO Lightweight champion Nate “The Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell and former two time world champion Joan “The Sycuan Warrior” Guzman are making headway and an official announcement will come shortly.  Jose Nuñez manager of Guzman told Boxingtalk.com, that they are in the final stages and that all parties involved have agreed in principal to make this rumored fight a reality. As of now Showtime is the leading candidate to air this bout is and September 13th seems to be the date. HBO was very interested in purchasing Campbell versus Guzman, according Nuñez; however they were offering an October date.

Neither of the parties involved wanted to put their fighters on ice for this period of time. Showtime stepped up to the plate and cleared the September date, however never say never if HBO decides to sweeten the purse than the “Heart and Soul” of the sport may not be shut out. Guzman is the only pugilist from the Dominican Republic to win multiple championships and is eager to add a third crown in as many weight classes. It is safe to say that the 36 year old Campbell will not make this an easy task for Guzman.

“I know Nate is coming to fight and I know he thinks that he can beat Guzman and that’s how it should be. That means he’s going to come to fight and that’s what fans want to see. Campbell is a good fighter and will probably be the toughest guy Guzman has faced. This is a great fight and I’m glad we are able to make this happen,” Nuñez.

Earlier this year in March Campbell took home the WBO belt with a split decision victory over the previously unbeaten Juan Diaz. Campbell took the Houston University scholar to school, with some questionable tactics. Nuñez is somewhat concerned with some of the strategy utilized by the 135 champion.

“It does worry me a little bit because Campbell fights with his head, and is known for low blows and I will defiantly bring that up once a referee is chosen. But no disrespect to (Juan) Diaz, Guzman is not Diaz. He’s a much smarter fighter than Diaz and his experience will not allow
Campbell to get away with things like that,” Nuñez.

This world title matchup was made a possibility once Guzman vacated his 130 pound WBO strap in search of that elusive career defining encounter. WBO President Francisco "Paco" Valcárcel named Guzman as the mandatory challenger to Campbell.

Guzman is currently in his native Santo Domingo, with bigger concerns than wins, losses or purse bids. For the past month and a half Guzman has been by the side of his ailing mother who was diagnosed in late April with a brain tumor. According to Nuñez, the 55 year old was admitted into a hospital after complaining of severe headaches, she was treated in Albany, New York. Nuñez says that her condition is progressing thanks to medication and as of now she has not had to deal with a complicated surgery.

Guzman will begin training camp next week says Nuñez, and when the day of the fight arrives you can be sure that Floyd Mayweather Sr. will be in the challengers’ corner. In what should be nobody’s surprise the self proclaimed best trainer in the world shot the first salvo of fight hype.
“No damn John David Jackson is going to out train me. I’m the best trainer in the world I don’t give a fuck about no John David Jackson,” Mayweather Sr.

As far as a venue for this anticipated lightweight clash the Sycuan Casino and Resort, in San Diego California seems to be where these two warriors will take place. This will be a joint promotion by Sycuan Ringside Promotions and Don King Productions. 

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