TO DEFEND TITLE AGAINST ALEX ARTHUR

APRIL 26, 2008, IN EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

Sycuan Ringside Promotions announced today that World Boxing Organization (WBO) 130-Pound Champion Joán Guzman has signed a contract to defend his title against interim champion Alex Arthur on April 26, 2008. Promoted by Frank Warren of Sports Network, the fight will take place in Edinburgh, Scotland, at a venue to be determined. 

“I am tired of hearing the British and Scottish say I am not going to show up for this fight,” Guzman said. “Arthur should be scared and running for cover. I am the best pound-for-pound fighter in my division, and I can’t wait to get there and show him what this proud Dominican has to offer.

”I am going to take Arthur’s head off as payment to the British for spreading rumors that I am scared of fighting him.”

In his last bout, Guzman successfully defended his WBO crown for the second time by scoring a 12-round unanimous decision over Humberto Soto on Nov. 17, 2007, at Bally’s in Atlantic City, N.J. Guzman used his outstanding speed to win 118-110 and 117-111 twice on the scorecards.

“Guzman is a man of conviction,” said Jose Nuñez, Guzman’s manager. “He trains hard and sacrifices in the months leading up to the fight. He has been frustrated by all the talking and speculation as to whether he will show up for this fight in the United Kingdom.

“Believe me when I say that there is not a fighter that Guzman fears. I know that Frank Warren and the British have to try to make their fighter look good for the British fans, but we plan to get there and take care of business. Arthur is standing in the way of big fights for my fighter, so Guzman has to eliminate Arthur quickly.

Sycuan Ringside Promotions, Guzman’s promoter, is pleased that their fighter will have a chance to go to the U.K. to battle Arthur.

“We are proud that Guzman is promoted by Sycuan Ringside Promotions,” said Scott Woodworth, Sycuan’s vice president of boxing. “He has signed the agreement and already is training for this important fight. He really wants to go to Scotland and show the British and the Scottish what he is made of. We at Sycuan know we will be raising Guzman’s hands in victory at the end of the fight.”

Frank Warren won the rights to this championship fight in a WBO purse bid. Sycuan Ringside Promotions remains Guzman’s promoter and continues to provide him with all the support necessary to defeat Arthur and move on to other great fights.

3-9-2008