Joan Guzman, undefeated two-time world boxing champion, saw this pulverizing punch coming.
But, like any loving son or daughter with a terminally ill mother, he could not use his lightning fast feet or hands or to defend against it.
The Dominican Dandy flew from New York to his native Santo Domingo Saturday after learning of the death of his beloved mother, Juana Amaro.
She raised Guzman and her other children in the toughest, mort brutal barrio of the Dominican capital, Guachapita.
It was there that young Guzman first tried boxing using newspapers as makeshift gloves.
Guzman?s mother, said to be in her late 40s, had been suffering from a brain tumor. She experienced long and continual pain and, as I extend my deep condolences, to Guzman and his family, hopefully there is some solace in the fact that her physical ordeal has ended.
The announcement of the fighter?s mother death came from his manager, Jose Nunez.
?This was tough all the way,? Nunzez said. ?His Mom went through a lot in the hospital. Joan found out about her brain cancer when he was training for the Nate Campbell fight. Now he and his family will give their mother a proper burial.?
Guzman has not fought since last December.
Lightweight contender and ex-champion Juan ?Baby Bull? Diaz recently rejected a bout against Guzman and will soon fight Paulie Malignaggi.
