Joan Guzman Targets Nate Campbell

Posted by Ramon Aranda on 05.15.2008

Guzman: "I think Nate Campbell would be a perfect opponent for me."

Now that Joan Guzman has vacated his WBO 130 pound title, the undefeated Dominican-born speedster is looking for a challenge at the lightweight level.

"I think Nate Campbell would be a perfect opponent for me," said Guzman, who is a two-division champion with a record of 28-0 with 17 knockouts. "Nobody wants to fight Nate at 135 pounds and no one wants to fight me at 130 pounds. So let's just fight each other."

Guzman, who is promoted by Sycuan Ringside Promotions of San Diego, Calif., might not have to wait long to get his shot at Campbell.

"The WBO has assured Sycuan that Guzman will in fact become the number one contender at 135 pounds," said Sean Gibbons, matchmaker for Sycuan Ringside Promotions.

"Nate doesn't have a bunch of options right now. He thinks he's going to get a shot at Joel Cassameyor, but that fight will never happen. Plain and simple, Nate's best fight is against Guzman."

"I've always been about fighting the best," Guzman continued. "If Nate is truly a world champion he will accept the challenge that I have laid out for him.

"Twenty-eight boxers have tired to beat me and they all failed miserably. Nate will be number twenty-nine if he has the guts and courage to fight me.

"I'm ready to fight Nate anytime, any place, anywhere. A lot of boxers are afraid of me, but I sure hope Nate isn't one of them."

Guzman, who has won titles at the super bantamweight and super featherweight divisions, made the choice to move up in weight after he grew irritated with Alex Arthur and his promoter, Frank Warren of Sports Network.

Guzman was scheduled to defend his WBO 130 pound title on Saturday, May 3, in Edinburgh, Scotland but the fight was postponed. Although he has been ready to travel to Scotland at a moment's notice, Warren has not scheduled a new date for the bout.

"My team and I have tried with every good intention to honor our agreement to fight Arthur in Scotland on May 3," Guzman said. "Frank Warren and his team made every excuse possible to cancel the fight. My team and I decided that it is time for me to make my mark at the 135 pound division and I'm going to start with Nate Campbell."