By Ricardo Lois

Joan Guzman must feel his boxing career is jinxed.

After breaking managerial ties to problematic Rafael Guerrero, signing a promotional contract extension with Sycuan’s Ringside Promotions, and tentatively scheduling an April bout against fellow one hundred and twenty-two pound belt holder Oscar Larios, Guzman was on the verge of breaking through in boxing.

Last week, the heart breaking news was announced; Oscar Larios had under gone surgery to repair an injury in his right shoulder.

With September set as a tentative return date for Chololo, Guzman finds himself in a frustratingly familiar position: no opponent and no set date for a fight.

Outside the ring obstacles are the norm for Guzman, a seven-year veteran in the sport. A highly touted amateur prior to his 1997 debut, Little Tyson took an extended leave from boxing following his second professional bout. Guzman’s absence was the outcome of a falling out with his first manager and disillusion towards the world of boxing.

Early 1999 then manager Rafael Guerrero coaxed Guzman out of retirement, smoothly guiding Joan’s career till 2004. During the early months of last year, a public feud erupted between Guerrero and WBO President Francisco Valcarcel, which slowed down Guzman’s career.

Dropping Guerrero and recently signing with New York City based manager Jose Nuñez, Guzman’s was once again reborn until rocked with the news regarding Larios’ injury.

Via a telephone conversation Tuesday afternoon, Nuñez expressed his disappointment over the unfortunate situation with Larios but expressed hope that Guzman will return to the ring in April or May.

Nuñez mentioned that one possible opponent for Guzman could be veteran little man Mark "Too" Sharp Johnson.