By Ryan Songalia

IBF/WBA/WBO lightweight champion Nate "The Galaxxy Warrior" Campbell has informed MaxBoxing/BoxingScene.com that his team is close to sealing a deal to defend his titles against WBO number mandatory contender Joan Guzman. Campbell mentions September 13 as the target date, with Showtime likely to televise.

"Joan Guzman is who we're looking at right now," says Campbell, 32-5 (25 KO). "We haven't signed for it yet. We're pretty much working it out right now. By next weekend it'll probably be done."

Campbell intends to begin training camp in two weeks at his trainer John David Jackson's Fort Lauderdale, FL facility.

Campbell and Guzman have traded personal insults in the media over the last few months. Both men are into their thirties and are unlikely to be unnerved by mind games. Still, the heated exchanges between the two have created interest in a clash that offers what both fighters have been seeking: Meaningful fights.

"All of the stuff he said about me, I'll take that all with me when the bell rings. When the bell rings, he'll know that I put a good old-fashioned ass whooping on him for everything I think he said."

Guzman, 28-0 (17 KOs), last fought in November, defeating Humberto Soto by unanimous decision. Guzman has held titles at 122 pounds and 130 pounds. Guzman vacated the WBO super featherweight belt following numerous postponements of his scheduled title defense with Scotland's Alex Arthur.

Campbell, who defeated previously-unbeaten Juan Diaz this past March to win his belts, says he is not impressed by Guzman's unblemished mark.

"Guzman is an exciting little fighter, but he's never fought anybody like me. I'm so tired of people making these guys out to be gods because their records have goose-eggs following their first two preceding numbers."

Campbell also had words for undefeated UK boxing star Amir Khan, who won a five-round shootout with journeyman Michael Gomez Saturday night. For the second time in his pro career Khan tasted the canvas before stopping the game Gomez.

"Let's let this young fellow get that milk from around his mouth. If he comes in the ring with me and has any kind of night like he's been having lately, I'll make him my bitch."

Editor's Note: For those wondering, yes this fight will go head-to-head with the Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Joel Casamayor HBO pay-per-view. Another night of dueling boxing events.

Any questions or comments? Send them to mc_rson@yahoo.com