Guzman-Funeka to Open Bute-Andrade II

Posted by Joe Roche on 10.25.2009

IBF lightweight title on the line on Boxing After Dark in Canada.

HBO's "Boxing After Dark" will broadcast for the first time in Canada on November 28th where Lucian Bute will defend his world super middleweight title in a rematch with Librado Andrade. HBO has now announced that in conjunction with Gary Show Productions and Cedric Kushners' Gotham Boxing the highly anticipated IBF lightweight title fight between Ali Funeka (30-2-2, 25 KO's) and Joan Guzman (29-0, 17 KO's) will open the broadcast.

Guzman is widely considered the greatest fighter to ever come out of the Dominican Republic and he looks forward to fighting in front of a Canadian audience. "This is my first fight in Canada and I've heard how great the fans are, so I plan on giving them a show this November," said Guzman. "A third world title means a lot to me and I plan on leaving everything in the ring in order to take that belt home with me."

On the other side Funeka has become well known for the war he waged with Nate Campbell (a fight that he ultimately lost). However, the 6'1 South African (by way of London) looks forward to the fight with Guzman on November 28th. "I respect Joan Guzman and everything he's accomplished, but he's too small to deal with me," said Funeka. "I will overpower him, send him back to 130 pounds and show him how true lightweights fight."