Joan Guzman Apologizes

Joan Guzman screwed up royally when he came into his Saturday bout with Nate Campbell overweight, didn't shave off the 3 1/2 pounds he was over, and then refused to fight Campbell over the weight, even though Campbell agreed to glove up anyway.

Well, Guzman has seen the error of his ways, and he's put out a release spelling out his regrets. Here it is:

I was wrong and I apologize. There is no one else to blame for me not making the lightweight division weight limit of 135 pounds for my WBO, WBA and IBF title bout against Nate Campbell this past weekend.

No trainer is to blame. No nutritionist is to blame. No manager is to blame. No promoter is to blame. Put the blame on me, Joan Guzman, because I was completely at fault.

My conduct in this important matter was unprofessional.

I rolled the dice by coming in too heavy at the start of my training camp. I was able to get away with this many times before but, at age 32, my body shut down on me with 3.5 pounds to go. My metabolism rejected taking off so many pounds in a short period.

I apologize, first and foremost, to Campbell. I hope he accepts my sincere apology.

I apologize to all the boxing fans, his, mine and fans who just wanted to see two accomplished fighters compete.

I apologize to everyone in my native country, the Dominican Republic, and I am sorry I let you all down after you have given me years of great support.

I apologize to the Showtime network and hope I can earn their forgiveness over time.

I apologize to the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino and to all the great people of the Biloxi area.

I apologize to Campbell's entire team from co-promoters Don King and Terry Trekas on down.

I certainly apologize to my team starting with Sycuan Ringside Promotions, the entire Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation and to my manager, Jose Nunez.

I apologize to other members of my own team all of whom worked so hard.

I apologize to the WBO, to the WBA, to the IBF and to the Mississippi athletic commission.

I learned a lesson, a hard lesson, and I just hope that, in time, I can regain the trust and the confidence of all concerned.

Humbly Submitted,

JOAN GUZMAN