BoxRec

ALEX Arthur's scheduled challenge for the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) super-featherweight title on 3 May was postponed last night after champion Joan Guzman was unable to obtain a visa to enter the United Kingdom.

Following a day of conflicting reports, including one on host broadcaster Setanta's own website claiming that Arthur had pulled out of the fight because of injury, promoter allegedly insisted the contest was being called off because of Guzman's travel difficulties.

The 32-year-old champion from the Dominican Republic, who is based in the United States, was due to fly to London on Wednesday this week in advance of his title defence against Arthur at the Meadowbank Sports Centre a week tomorrow.

Warren said last night: "We are hopeful of announcing a new date for the fight very shortly, as soon as we hear from Guzman's promoters, Sycuan Boxing, that he has received his visa.

"It is a big disappointment, but Alex is a thorough professional and will have to take this in his stride."

A report claiming that Arthur had immediately been declared champion by the WBO because of Guzman's failure to travel was angrily dismissed by Warren, and the Edinburgh boxer is now hoping to put the extra preparation time for the fight to the best possible use.

"After all the training I had put in, including going to America for two weeks, I was initially angry when I was told that he couldn't get here on time," said Arthur.

"But once I calmed down and looked at the situation again I realised that I can use this to my advantage because I now have some valuable extra time to prepare.

"Guzman is a great fighter and I know I have the beating of him, but if I can be ten per cent faster and stronger because of the delay then it will work in my favour."

Old bones Ian wrote:Cor a Guzman fight is delayed or cancelled, thats a surprise.
How many times has he done this?

chesh wrote: His weight-making difficulties are well-known and I wouldn't be surprised if he was struggling to get to 130. I didn't expect him to sign for this fight, as I thought he'd be going to lightweight after Soto. He came into the ring at 146 for that and is thought to walk around as high as 170.

Do the WBO do check weigh-ins? I'd like to know what he weighs now, a week before the weigh-in was due to take place. If it is the weight, I wish he'd just come clean. Then everyone can move on.

Tykemania wrote:

chesh wrote: His weight-making difficulties are well-known and I wouldn't be surprised if he was struggling to get to 130. I didn't expect him to sign for this fight, as I thought he'd be going to lightweight after Soto. He came into the ring at 146 for that and is thought to walk around as high as 170.

Do the WBO do check weigh-ins? I'd like to know what he weighs now, a week before the weigh-in was due to take place. If it is the weight, I wish he'd just come clean. Then everyone can move on.

I have to say (having a fair amount of knowledge of British Visa processes) that I find Guzman's excuse damn near utterly implausible - he must have had previous visas, and any issuing post operates a same day service with the assumption that they try and prioritise those of commercial value to the UK (which means that a phone call from allegedly would have sufficed).

Chambers2 wrote:Cutoms would have give him a free left over here if he was Polish

banjo wrote:Didn't Guzman pull out of a fight with Harrison a couple of years ago?

DavidPayne wrote:"a mini James Toney", I think I met him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z78oil-k ... re=related

He came to dinner...

stujones wrote:

banjo wrote:Didn't Guzman pull out of a fight with Harrison a couple of years ago?

Think that was the other way around - didn't Harrison have to go to the dentist or something.

Press Release] Contrary to information circulated on the internet, undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) Junior Lightweight Champion Joan Guzman,28-0-(17), will travel to Scotland to defend his title against interim titleholder Alex Arthur.

Inaccurate reports across the internet have stated that Guzman has pulled out of his title fight against Arthur,26-1-(19), which is currently scheduled for Saturday, May 3 in Edinburgh, Scotland. The highly anticipated fight, however, will likely be rescheduled.

“Guzman is not giving up his belt,” said Jose Nunez, Guzman’s long time manager. “He’s worked extremely hard and gone through tremendous sacrifices to become a world champion. He’s simply not going to give up his belt. Guzman will go to Scotland and he will successfully defend his title. The date will most likely be pushed back a bit.”

Guzman, who has fought in the U.K. once before, has had some trouble securing a visa that will allow him to travel to Scotland. According to Nunez, the issue is being resolved.

“Rest assured that team Guzman will have all the appropriate paperwork for this fight,” Nunez said. “We know what has to be done and we understand the time frame that is needed to accomplish this.”

“Right now we’re taking a wait-and-see approach,” said Sean Gibbons, matchmaker for Sycuan Ringside Promotions, the company that promotes Guzman. “We are waiting for allegedly of Sports Network to give us the new, rescheduled date.”

allegedly won the rights to this championship fight in a WBO purse bid.
April 24, 2008

harrygreb wrote:well this is nonsense. guzman cant make the weight without killing himself, we all know that now.
the thing is will alex arthur need a viza over his face to prevent guzman making a horrible mess of it? or does guzmans weight problems give AA a little sneaking chance?