Former IBF cruiserweight titleholder William Guthrie (30-3-1, 24 KOs) has scheduled fights for March 31 and May 5, 2006 in Tampa, Florida, Now age 39, he wants an opportunity to prove that he’s still a world-class boxer. “There have been a lot of inner changes. I’m 39, not 29, and I’ve gotten use to a lot less physically, and more mental emotion. I have a lot to think about being older and coming back. This is an extremely dangerous sport and older fighters have to pay more attention to the danger. I don’t look at this as one last run. I don’t need the money. I fight because I Iove boxing with a passion, still enjoy fighting, and believe I can still win at a championship level. If I can’t win at that level than it’s time to walk away. I respect this game too much be to a boxing whore, no disrespect to those who’ve had to take that route. If I can’t win at that level I’ll know. I still have a warrior’s spirit and mind frame.”  Now trained by Buddy McGirt, Guthrie won the vacant IBF light heavyweight belt from Terry Allen after it was stripped from Gracian Rocchigianni. Guthrie lost his first defense, against Reggie Johnson.