BoxRec

Campbell, Guzman statements!

June 14, 2008

Nate Campbell Statement

I can't begin to tell you how disappointed I am in Joan Guzman. So much went into this fight. My preparation, my time away from my family. So much. And for him to pull this stunt shows a complete lack of respect for the sport, the fans, the network, and myself. I wanted my pound of flesh. I wanted his "0".

I found out he had pulled out of the fight while on my way to the dressing room. I found out later that this nonsense had been going back and forth all day. He was gonna fight, he wasn't gonna fight, he was gonna fight, etc. Terry had kept me pretty insulated from most of it though, so I didn't know until on my way to the dressing room what was up.

I really feel bad for the fans who came out, and for DKP, Showtime, and the Beau Rivage, who put so much effort into making this fight happen. A lot of money and effort went down the drain due to the unprofessional conduct of this idiot.

One other thing that makes me laugh too is that throughout this entire promotion, Guzman and his people made allegations against me regarding steroid use, yet it is Guzman who bulked up so much mass that he couldn't even make 135. And to get sympathy, they are claiming that he was throwing up blood. This is not a symptom of dehydration to make weight. Throwing up blood is a symptom of using too much diuretics. He didn't even try to lose any weight after weighing 138.5 on his first try. He went back to his room and watched TV. And all this "rushed to the hospital" nonsense is just bullshit spin from his people. They only took him to the hospital after the weigh-in because getting an IV is a quicker way to re-hydrate than naturally taking in fluids.

But that's besides the point. This wasn't a case of someone getting the flu, or an injury during fight week. Those things legitimately happen sometimes. They knew at least 3 or 4 days ago that the weight was gonna be a problem. But instead of letting people know, and making another deal or something for the fight to move forward, they pulled this crap at the last second.

I've also heard a few stories saying that it was the doctor that pulled the plug on the fight. I don't believe that is true. Terry asked the commissioner what his ruling was, and if it was medical related, or what. The commissioner told him "I advised the fighter of the consequences of not participating in the fight, and the fighter elected not to participate." I even told them I didn't care what he weighed. He could have came in at 160 for all I care. I just wanted that ass and that "0". I'm very disappointed.

As for what's next, I really don't know. Obviously Terry will meet with our attorneys and DKP this week to see what our options are. I truly hope the commission suspends this clown for at least a year. This wasn't a sudden injury, or sickness or something. They knew damn well they had a weight issue. And if his own weight mismanagement caused him to be weak, or sick or whatever, then that's on him. I donut feel sorry for him one bit. Maybe if his fat ass didn't blow up to 170+ in between fights, this wouldn't happen.

At least I was assured by the WBO that since I made weight, and was ready and willing to fight even though he wasn't, that I have fulfilled my mandatory obligation, and can move on in another direction. We do have an IBF mandatory to do with the Funeka kid that knocked out Raheem, so maybe Don can work to get that done right away. We'll just have to see what Don has in mind.

Again, I really feel bad for the fans, Showtime, the Beau Rivage, DKP, my team and my family who were all looking forward to this fight. I did everything I could to make it happen. I can't put a gun to his head though and make him climb the stairs and fight me. Hopefully Don and Terry will work something out so I can be back in the ring before Christmas. I just want to fight. And thanks to all the great fans who came out, and met me in the casino. I enjoyed meeting each and every one of you.



Joan Guzman Statement

I was wrong. And I apologize right now. There is no one else to blame for my not making the lightweight division weight limit of 135 pounds for my WBO, WBA and IBF title bout to Nate Campbell this past weekend.

No trainer is to blame. No nutritionist is to blame. No manager is to blame. No promoter is to blame. Put the blame on me, Joan Guzman, because I was completely at fault.

My conduct in this important matter was totally unprofessional.

I rolled the dice by coming in too heavy at the start of my training camp. I was able to get away with this many times before but, at age 32, my body shut down on me with 3.5 pounds to go. My metabolism rejected taking off so many pounds in a short period.

I apologize, first and foremost, to Campbell. I hope he accepts my sincere apology.

I apologize to all the boxing fans, his, mine and fans who just wanted to see two accomplished fighters compete.

I apologize to everyone in my native country, the Dominican Republic, and I am sorry I let you all down after you have given me years to total support.

I apologize to the Showtime network and I hope I can earn their forgiveness over time.

I apologize to the Beau Rivage Hotel & Casino and to all the great people of the Biloxi area.

I apologize to Campbell's entire team from co-promoters Don King and Terry Trekas on down.

I certainly apologize to my team starting with Sycuan Ringside Promotions, the entire Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation and to my manager, Jose Nunez.

I apologize to other members of my own team all of whom worked so hard.

I apologize to the WBO, to the WBA, to the IBF and to the Mississippi commission.

I learned a lesson, a hard lesson, and I just hope that, in time, I can regain the trust and the confidence of all concerned.

I must say, I respect Guzman a whole lot more for making some kind of statement rather than just say nothing. Highlighting the fact that Guzman blames himself & feels no one else is accountable, just might help build bridges for him!

Obviously, Campbell is gutted because he essentially trained & never fought & fighting is the whoele reason for intense preparation.

Guzman is a very skilled boxer - no one can deny this. I hope we still see him in some big fights. However, Joan clearly has to be more disciplined in respect of putting on so much. He stated himself he came into camp too heavy & tried to shift too much weight in too short a period. If someone knows their mistakes, then they always have the chance to learn from those mistakes.

Campbell needs to box before the year is out.

Rocky Balboa wrote:I must say, I respect Guzman a whole lot more for making some kind of statement rather than just say nothing. Highlighting the fact that Guzman blames himself & feels no one else is accountable, just might help build bridges for him!

Obviously, Campbell is gutted because he essentially trained & never fought & fighting is the whoele reason for intense preparation.

Guzman is a very skilled boxer - no one can deny this. I hope we still see him in some big fights. However, Joan clearly has to be more disciplined in respect of putting on so much. He stated himself he came into camp too heavy & tried to shift too much weight in too short a period. If someone knows their mistakes, then they always have the chance to learn from those mistakes.

Campbell needs to box before the year is out.

Guzman has pulled out of fights in the past.

He is a 'Castillo'when it comes to making weight.

What happens? Does Campbell get his purse because he weighed in under the limit? HE should do....

E wrote:What happens? Does Campbell get his purse because he weighed in under the limit? HE should do....

No fight - no pay.

DG. wrote:

E wrote:What happens? Does Campbell get his purse because he weighed in under the limit? HE should do....

No fight - no pay.

That's really low.....Campbell has every reason to be severely pissed off then.....

Nice to hear that Guzman is okay and really humble, honest, statement.

Although sometimes Sorry isn't good enough and I think he shouldn't be given a mandatory shot again (should a fighter chose to fight him - well thats their business).

DG. wrote:

E wrote:What happens? Does Campbell get his purse because he weighed in under the limit? HE should do....

No fight - no pay.

Don't know about that, in the UK if a boxer weighs in correctly and his opponent doesn't , and the fight is called off, then the boxer who weighed in correctly gets paid.

obviously this farce with Guzman wasn't in the Uk, so maybe Campbell wouldn't get his full pay, but i';m sure he would get something through insurances the promoter takes out

Guzman is turning out to be the biggest waste of talent ever to grace a boxing ring. Us brits were dragged through the mud with Calzaghe for years, but this Guzman takes the buiscut.

Lets just think ourselves lucky that we are not patriots of the Dominican Republic and hardcore fans of the sport of boxing. What a nightmare those guys must be having right now

Old bones Ian wrote:

DG. wrote:

E wrote:What happens? Does Campbell get his purse because he weighed in under the limit? HE should do....

No fight - no pay.

Don't know about that, in the UK if a boxer weighs in correctly and his opponent doesn't , and the fight is called off, then the boxer who weighed in correctly gets paid.

obviously this farce with Guzman wasn't in the Uk, so maybe Campbell wouldn't get his full pay, but i';m sure he would get something through insurances the promoter takes out

This is what happens when bouts are cancelled because a fighter does not make weight.

The promoters insurance covers the promoter for cost of venue and loses re: advertising etc.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/boxing/2 ... illo_x.htm

Campbell is the odd man out at lightweight. He has just about all the belts and nothing is happening for him. Guzman has just made things even worst for the guy. Campbell had to fight more than one elim to get his title shot, and now that he's champ, he's still on the outside looking in. Damn shame. Will he get Marquez? Like hell he will. Juan Diaz - whom Campbell bullied in Mexico - will get the fight. GBP have their own belt so they can do what they want. Sad to see this.