BY MR. JOSE NUNEZ, MANAGER OF WORLD CHAMPION JOAN GUZMAN

"Unfortunately, there is rumor and innuendo going around in some boxing circles that my fighter, undefeated Joan Guzman, pulled out of his May 26 HBO title challenge against WBO lightweight champion Michael Kastidis for non-medical reasons. Nothing could be further from the truth.

"Guzman deeply regrets having to pull out due to a hand injury. In fact, Guzman did not want to pull out. I made that decision as his manager based on the medical advice from Dr. Steven Sanders who is an expert in treating the hands of professional boxers. No one fight is worth destroying the remaining career of an incredibly talented fighter.

“I want to reassure out two fine co-promoters, Sycuan Ringside Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, that this decision was made based solely on the health and safety issues involved.We also want Michael Kastidis, a great champion in his own right, and his handlers to know this. Guzman has very proudly worn two WBO title belts in two weight divisions and he was hoping to add a third belt at 135 pounds.

“I worked very hard to put this fight between two great champions together as did Sycuan and Golden Boy. I call upon our promoters and HBO to reschedule this match so these two fighters can match their skills. Joan Guzman wants only one person as his next opponent and that is Michael Kastidis.”
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I hope Katsidis can knock him out when they finally do meet but I dont think his defence is tight enough to last with Guzman unless he knocks him out

This one is older than the top post, like 10 minutes older









Katsidis Blasts Joan Guzman For Pulling Out




By Mark Vester

Unbeaten Michael Katsidis (22-0, 20KOs) of Australia has blasted Joan Guzman (27-0, 17KOs) for withdrawing from their May 26 showdown in California, which was set to be televised on HBO's Boxing After Dark series.

Guzman, who was moving up to the lightweight limit of 135-pounds to face Katsidis, announced on Thursday that he was pulling out after fracturing his hand in training.

Katsidis does not believe Guzman has a legit hand injury, and told the Courier Mail that Guzman got "cold feet" due to a fear of his punching power at the weight.

HBO and Guzman's promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, was said to be working towards rescheduling the fight to the summer, but Katsidis says he is moving on and wants a fight with WBA/WBO lightweight champ Juan Diaz.

"What Guzman has done doesn't surprise me," said Katsidis. "But a world title fight should not be treated like that way he's handled this fight. But I'm moving on from Guzman – he opbvioulsy doesn't want to get in the ring. I'm the new blood in the division and it's time for me to aim right at the top. The time is right for me to fight Juan Diaz."

Katsidis' trainer/manager, Brendon Smith, has asked the California Boxing Commission to check Guzman's hand because he also doesn't buy the injury claim.

"I don't believe Guzman's claim. We haven't been given any proof of the alleged injury and I've asked the commission to have their doctor examine Guzman," said Smith. "Until I see x-rays of the fracture that show otherwise, I don't believe the claims. I've also asked the promoters, Golden Boy Promotions, to insist on a medical examination. It's a shame for us that a replacement fighter was not brought in for the show on May 26. I believe that should have happened, but there's not much we can do about it."