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“I’ll fight who ever is in front of me!”
Former featherweight and super featherweight title holder Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero has never been one to do much talking outside of the ring.
Inside of the ring he is all business and little else, to this date that attitude has served him well as he has recently made the move to lightweight with success thus far.
When Guerrero is asked about his opinions of the fight game, the answer is not one you would expect from a multi-division world titlist.
Guerrero does not call out names, he does not sing his own praises, the only thing he will say is that if you’re willing to sign on the line he will fight you. His attitude is that of the old-time fighters who believed that boxing is a sport and while a payday is important, so is handling your business without taking shortcuts to accomplish it.
When he is not in the gym training Guerrero takes part in another fight, one that has no contracts to sign, no paydays and no bell to signal the start or end of the bout. Guerrero helps the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation fight for a cure. A cause near and dear to his heart as his wife Casey battled Leukemia with success as they were recently informed by doctors that she is Leukemia free.
Guerrero takes part in this fight as a way of giving back, showing that being a champion does not always stop when you step out from between the ropes.
Recently, I was able to talk with Robert Guerrero about his move to the lightweight division, what he hopes for in the future and a bit about his cause away from boxing. Read it here exclusively on SaddoBoxing.
SaddoBoxing: Robert, the last time we spoke you were preparing for your showdown with Jason Litzau; how are things now?
Robert Guerrero: Things have been good, I have been at the gym staying in shape, I am happy and can not wait to step back into the ring.
SB: It is safe to assume then your move to lightweight is a permanent one?
RG: Yeah, lightweight is the place for me, I feel good fighting there, I feel fast enough and ready for anyone willing.
SB: Are there any particular fights you have in mind?
RG: I would not mind the winner of Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Juan Diaz 2, but if not any of the top guys are available.
SB: This is a division full of top guys, some are longtime veterans still looking to make statements before retirement, others are tough contenders who have the ability to dethrone a champion on any given night, not to mention that all the current belt holders still show the hunger of contenders; do you think this plays into your plans well?
RG: Yes, it means a lot of good fights available to be made. A fight with Marquez would be great, he is a future hall of famer and a win over him would be high profile. I want to fight the top fighters in the division, hopefully the belt holders will step up.
When I was at featherweight and super featherweight, none of the other belt holders wanted to unify. I was willing to but could not get anyone else to agree. At lightweight, I am willing to get in with whoever is willing to get in with me.
SB: What do you think of tournaments like the Super Six that is taking place at super middleweight right now? Do you think maybe more type events should take place in other weight classes to help narrow down who the best really is?
RG: The Super Six is great but I do think it left some of the top guys worthy of competing out. If champions would just fight who is out there instead of constantly worrying about purse size, talking about opponents not being a marquee enough names etc, there would be no reason for those type tournaments.
There is no reason to pass by a challenger because they do not think it is worth it, no reason to duck and run because you are looking for something better. Fight the man in front of you without complaints, this is BOXING! They did not do this stuff in the 60’s, champions fought who was next in line period.
SB: Now that we talked about your career, I would like to ask about your out of the ring causes. I know you have been working hard with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation as of late.
RG: I have been fortunate enough to be in a position as a pro athlete to help the cause, doing everything I can to help give back.
SB: I know your wife Casey has been battling Leukemia for some time; how are things going?
RG: Going well, we went to the doctor just recently and there is no evidence of Leukemia present.
SB: That is great news congratulation to you both. I also read recently that you are part of a fundraiser that has a set goal of $300,000 toward the cause; how are things progressing?
RG: That is a goal set for a group of teams combined and hopefully together we will hit that amount. My team, along with Mario Serrano, my publicist, has raised approximately $15,000 thus far.
SB: I read you are nominated for the foundation’s Man of the Year honors?
RG: Yes I am, it is cool just to be a candidate, the people nominated are chosen for their efforts towards the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation cause; it is a big honor just to mentioned as a nominee.
SB: I have to say it takes a lot to manage a successful boxing career, deal with what you and Casey have over the last few years and still find time to help out such an important cause like this. I have to admit I admire the ability to be able to do that.
RG: Thank you
SB: Anything you want to say to your supporters before we finish?
RG: Just that I am back, I am willing, I am able so I hope to be in the ring real soon.
SB: Thanks Robert for your time and good luck in the future.
RG: Thanks again.
Anyone who may want to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation please visit Robert Guerrero’s site by clicking the image below…
