March 15 2008 
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oan Guzman's Impressive Win Could Have Removed Him From Pacquiao Sweeps
Ricardo Lois
I stand corrected.
Earlier in the week I picked Humberto Soto to take a decision from WBO super featherweight champ Joan Guzman. Instead, over 12 rounds, Guzman presented excellent speed, constant offense, and a difficult defense against the slow footed Mexican.
Guzman's showing was impressive but it might have done him more damage than good in the search for a big time fight. Soto was regarded as an often avoided dark horse and Guzman sliced and diced him impressively over twelve rounds. With Manny Pacquiao, the super featherweight paycheck so many want to cash in, selecting his next opponent on Thanksgiving, this Thursday, the odds of the Filipino picking Guzman are slime.
With WBC lightweight champion David Diaz, WBC super featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez, and Guzman as the final three in the Pacquiao selection process according to Bob Arum, Guzman has to be the clear underdog to land the fight.
Diaz is a strong possibility due to the fact he is promoted by the same promoter as Pacman and a move to lightweight would be logical is Manny is seriously contemplating a fight with Oscar De La Hoya in September, 2008 at an even higher weight class.
Marquez is still in the dog fight for a crack at Manny because it presents a lucrative rematch. Their 2004 draw is considered a classic by fight fans and the return bout has been long over due. You throw in Manny vs. Juan Manuel and all parties involved make a nice chunk of change. Not to mention, in my eyes, Marquez seems to have slowed down a step or two recently – looking unimpressive in his unanimous decision win over Rocky Juarez earlier in the month.
Guzman does not offer any real incentives for Pacquiao. He is Dominican and does not have the pay per view or box office drawing power of a Mexican – Strike One. His style is slick and speedy style could cause any super featherweight in the world problems – Strike Two. Does Joan really need a strike three? Considering those factors, it is almost a forgone conclusion that his name will not be announced on Thursday, but I will give you a strike three. It has been reported numerous times that Pacquiao's trainer and confidant Freddie Roach feels very strongly about steering his prized pupil away from the slippery test presented by Guzman – Strike Three and the Dominican is out.
Tough break for Guzman.
Possibly, if Marquez is bypassed by Pacquiao in a move to lightweight, the Dominican Dandy could get a crack against the Mexican in a unification bout since both men are promoted by Golden Boy Promotions.
I stand corrected.
Earlier in the week I picked Humberto Soto to take a decision from WBO super featherweight champ Joan Guzman. Instead, over 12 rounds, Guzman presented excellent speed, constant offense, and a difficult defense against the slow footed Mexican.
Guzman's showing was impressive but it might have done him more damage than good in the search for a big time fight. Soto was regarded as an often avoided dark horse and Guzman sliced and diced him impressively over twelve rounds. With Manny Pacquiao, the super featherweight paycheck so many want to cash in, selecting his next opponent on Thanksgiving, this Thursday, the odds of the Filipino picking Guzman are slime.
With WBC lightweight champion David Diaz, WBC super featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez, and Guzman as the final three in the Pacquiao selection process according to Bob Arum, Guzman has to be the clear underdog to land the fight.
Diaz is a strong possibility due to the fact he is promoted by the same promoter as Pacman and a move to lightweight would be logical is Manny is seriously contemplating a fight with Oscar De La Hoya in September, 2008 at an even higher weight class.
Marquez is still in the dog fight for a crack at Manny because it presents a lucrative rematch. Their 2004 draw is considered a classic by fight fans and the return bout has been long over due. You throw in Manny vs. Juan Manuel and all parties involved make a nice chunk of change. Not to mention, in my eyes, Marquez seems to have slowed down a step or two recently – looking unimpressive in his unanimous decision win over Rocky Juarez earlier in the month.
Guzman does not offer any real incentives for Pacquiao. He is Dominican and does not have the pay per view or box office drawing power of a Mexican – Strike One. His style is slick and speedy style could cause any super featherweight in the world problems – Strike Two. Does Joan really need a strike three? Considering those factors, it is almost a forgone conclusion that his name will not be announced on Thursday, but I will give you a strike three. It has been reported numerous times that Pacquiao's trainer and confidant Freddie Roach feels very strongly about steering his prized pupil away from the slippery test presented by Guzman – Strike Three and the Dominican is out.
Tough break for Guzman.
Possibly, if Marquez is bypassed by Pacquiao in a move to lightweight, the Dominican Dandy could get a crack against the Mexican in a unification bout since both men are promoted by Golden Boy Promotions.