For various reasons, the end of the year is typically a slow period for the boxing industry. Television networks and promotional companies are closing in on their budgets and boxers typically like to enjoy the holiday season away from the ring.
Sycuan Ringside Promotions is bucking that trend by placing three of its boxers into meaningful, “late season” fights. Former world champions Joan Guzman and Carlos Baldomir are in title eliminator bouts, while their newest charge, welterweight Carlos Abregu of Argentina, is fighting for the first time on SHOWTIME this Friday.
Abregu (24-0, 21 KOs), a hard-hitting undefeated prospect who is co-promoted by Gary Shaw, faces his toughest challenge of his career when he meets David Estrada of Chicago (22-5, 13 KOs) in the 10-round main event on ShoBox: The New Generation, Friday, Dec. 5, on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. E/PT, delayed on the west coast).
“Carlos Abregu will get tested against David Estrada,” said Sean Gibbons, matchmaker and vice president of Sycuan Ringside Promotions. “Estrada has fought Shane Mosley, Andre Berto and Kermit Cintron. All of these guys are either current or former world champions.
“We feel Abregu has what it takes to challenge for a world title, but he has to move past the prospect label first. A strong outing on Friday and Abregu will show everyone that he is the real deal.”
Baldomir (44-11-6, 13 KOs), a former WBC welterweight champion and close friend of Abregu (both are from Argentina), is inching closer to a title shot when he faces Jackson Bonsu (29-2, 23 KOs) on Saturday, Dec. 20, in a 12-round WBC welterweight title eliminator from Belgium.
“Baldomir is looking great right now,” Gibbons said. “He has that bounce in his step. He wants the distinction of becoming a two-time WBC welterweight champion. We know Baldy can do it. He’ll prove it on Dec. 20.”
Guzman (28-0, 17 KOs), a former two-division champion, is in a 12-round WBA lightweight title eliminator.
Guzman travels to his native Dominican Republic to take on WBA Fedelatin lightweight champion Ameth Diaz (25-7, 19 KOs) on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008, from El Palacio de los Deportes in Guzman’s hometown of Santo Domingo.
“We’ve had big plans for Guzman since the very beginning,” Gibbons said. “With a win against Diaz, Guzman is back in the lightweight picture.”
“We’re aiming for three victories in December: one for Abregu, one for Baldomir and one for Guzman. We hope Christmas comes a little early this year.”