Press Release: WBO 130-pound champion Joan Guzman, whose rose from poverty in the Dominican Republic's Guachapita barrio, is pinching himself. And so is his manager, Jose Nunez. Guzman and Nunez, who is of Dominican heritage as well, were honored guests at a reception hosted by the country's President, Leonel Fernandez. Also in attendance was Dominican sports chief Felipe Payano who did so much to organize the reception at the beautiful and historic National Palace.President Fernandez, who took photos with the entire Guzman group including some in which he wore one of Guzman's two WBO belts (Guzman held the 122-pound title beofre moving up in weight), said he had followed Guzman since the boxer's amateur days in the Pan American Games. "Joan is a great world champion and the Dominican people are rightly very proud of him and of his great accomplishments. Joan serves as an example to all of Dominican youth. He shows what a young man from the barrio can achieve through hard work and dedication. He is a great sportsman and I know I look for even bigger things ahead for him inside and outside of the boxing ring." President Fernandez is now in his second term as this nation's leader and Guzman came up with a political quip which left the Chief Executive, honored guests and the large news media contingent smiling. Guzman said, "I am going for my third one (world title belt). I will do this for sure. But I am not sure about our great president."  President Fernandez laughed, wagged an index finger and said, "I am saying nothing. That is what he says."  President Fernandez, Sports Secretary Payano and other government officials are huddling with Guzman and Nunez about a major boxing card in the capital city of Santo Domingo on December 16 which would feature Guzman's first defense of the title he won by beating Argentina's Jorge Barrios last month.