06.04.06 – Frank Warren has hit out at Joan Guzman after the mandatory challenger to WBO featherweight champion Scott Harrison pulled out of their fight. Guzman signed a contract to take on Harrison in Belfast on May 20, but has gone back on his word and has now declared he is moving up to super-featherweight. ” After talks with Guzman’s camp, they made it clear that Joan has no intention of facing Harrison,” said Warren..
” To say I am disappointed, especially when we had a signed contract for the fight, is an understatement.
” It’s a real liberty on the part of Guzman and I think he swallowed it, plain and simple.
” All the talk from him has been about what he was going to do to Harrison, but I think it was beginning to dawn on him that Scott really wanted the fight – and give him a hiding.
” And isn’t ironic that having constantly questioned Harrison’s ability to make the weight – who unlike Guzman has never failed on the scales at a weigh-in – it turns out that he’s got the problem.”
Warren and match-maker Dean Powell are now working hard to find a replacement for Guzman, and are confident of announcing a top-rated opponent within the next few days.
Harrison will still defend his WBO title, and has vowed to take out hisfrustrations on whoever is unlucky enough to fill Guzman’s shoes.
” I said all along that I would beat Guzman and he knew it,” added Harrison.
” It’s a shame that he didn’t have the heart to face me.
” Now I’m more fired up than ever before, and I feel sorry for whoever gets in the ring with me on May 20.”
As well as Harrison’s WBO title defence, the show will feature a mouthwatering welterweight match up between WBU champion and local hero Eamonn Magee and challenger Takaloo.
And Olympic silver medallist Amir Khan will have his seventh professional fight, taking on former European lightweight title challenger Laszlo Komjathi.
A host of Irish stars will also be on the bill, including Kevin O’Hara, Stephen Haughian and Martin Rogan.