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Funeka-Guzman added to Bute-Andrade

Fighters Network
23
Oct

Lightweight contender Ali Funeka will take on former two-division titleholder Joan Guzman in the co-featured bout to the Lucian Bute-Librado Andrade rematch in Quebec City, Quebec on Nov. 28.

The 12-round lightweight bout for a vacant 135-pound title will be part of the live HBO's live “Boxing After Dark” broadcast beginning at 10 p.m. PT/ET.

Funeka (30-2-2, 25 KOs) is a 6-foot-1 South African boxer-puncher who made his name in the U.S. by knocking out Zahir Raheem in four rounds last year and by giving former unified lightweight titleholder Nate Campbell hell for 12 rounds in February.

Funeka, who was dropped twice during his spirited challenge, lost the fight by majority decision, but out-boxed and out-hustled Campbell for much of the fight.



Guzman (29-0, 17 KOs) is slick-and-savvy veteran who has held titles in the 122-pound and 130-pound divisions. He hasn't fought since scoring a 12-round decision over Ameth Diaz in his native Dominican Republic last December.

“Everyone knows what a great fight Bute vs. Andrade II is and now we've got an equally intriguing co-main event with Funeka and Guzman,” said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions, which promotes Guzman and Andrade. “Guzman has long been established as one of boxing's best, but Funeka is a rising star who will make Joan fight every minute of every round. This is a fight that could steal the show on November 28.”

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