Robert Guerrero

Robert Guerrero
Statistics
Real name Robert Joseph Guerrero
Nickname(s) The Ghost
Rated at Featherweight (126 lb)
Super Featherweight (130 lb)
Lightweight (135 lb)
Welterweight (147 lb)
Height 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Reach 70 in (178 cm)
Nationality American
Born March 27, 1983
Gilroy, California, U.S.
Stance Southpaw
Boxing record
Total fights 38
Wins 32
Wins by KO 18
Losses 3
Draws 1
No contests 2

Robert Joseph Guerrero (born March 27, 1983 in Gilroy, California) is an American professional boxer. Nicknamed The Ghost, he is the former interim WBC welterweight champion.[1] He is also a former IBF Super Featherweight world champion, a former interim WBA and WBO lightweight champion[2] and a former two-time IBF featherweight champion. He vacated the IBF Super Featherweight belt due to his wife's battle with leukemia.[3] Guerrero's coach is Ruben Guerrero. He is managed by both Bob Santos, Luis Decubas Jr, and Al Haymon.

Professional career

Featherweight

After an impressive amateur career begun at a very young age, Guerrero turned professional, at the age of 18, on May 22, 2001 with a four-round unanimous decision win against Alejandro Cruz. After several wins and only a single draw later, Guerrero won the WBC NABF Featherweight title against Cesar Figueroa on December 9, 2004. Defending his NABF title twice, Guerrero was seen as a rising prospect, until meeting Gamaliel Diaz in a bout televised on ShoBox, on the Showtime channel, on December 12, 2005. An aggressive Diaz upset Guerrero, winning by split decision and taking the NABF belt in the process.

Guerrero rebounded from his first loss by defeating Sandros Marcos via third-round technical knock-out, setting up a rematch against Diaz, again on Showtime. Guerrero knocked down Diaz in the first round, and eventually knocking out Diaz early in the sixth round. The win set him up to face IBF champion Eric Aiken.

Featherweight title

In his first world championship fight on September 2, 2006, Guerrero defeated Aiken by an eighth-round technical knockout in Los Angeles. Guerrero used inside fighting, neutralizing Aiken's power, and eventually making Aiken quit on his stool after the eighth round to earn his first world title belt.

Guerrero vs. Salido

Guerrero lost the belt in his next fight in a mandatory defense to future Featherweight champion Orlando Salido in Las Vegas. Salido dominated the majority of the bout and pulled off an upset decision win with scores of 115-113, 117-111, 118-110.[4] However, Salido would subsequently be stripped of the IBF title after testing positive for steroids, thus vacating the belt; the result of the bout would also be changed to a twelve-round no decision by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

The IBF subsequently gave Guerrero the shot at the vacant featherweight title, which he won by ninth-round technical knockout in Copenhagen, Denmark on February 23, 2007, against Albanian boxer Spend Abazi.

Guerrero's second defense of his second title was to be against Rocky Juarez (27-3, 19 KOs); however, Juarez chose to meet WBC Super Featherweight Champion Juan Manuel Márquez in a money fight instead. Guerrero's first defense was scheduled to be against Martin Honorio (24-3-1) on November 3, 2007, and was televised on Showtime, on the undercard of the Marquez-Juarez match. Guerrero was unable to attend the final press conference before the match after his wife Casey[5] was diagnosed with leukemia. Guerrero defeated Honorio in a first round knock-out.

On February 29, 2008, Guerrero defeated Jason Litzau via an eighth round knock out.[6] Guerrero then vacated the title to move up in weight.

Super Featherweight

Guerrero vs. Yordan

On March 7, 2009, Guerrero fought Daud Yordan in his HBO debut. The fight ended in a second round "no contest" decision after Guerrero suffered a headbutt resulting in a gash above his eye. After the bout Guerrero offered Yordan a rematch, however, Yordan reportedly declined.[7]

On June 12, 2009, Guerrero faced Efren Hinojosa (30-5-1). He suffered another deep cut near his left eye from a head-butt in the seventh round, but this time it did not slow his progress as he scored an 8th round TKO victory. After the bout, the media described him as having redeemed himself for his previous lackluster effort.[8][9]

On August 22, 2009, Guerrero challenged Malcolm Klassen for his IBF Super Featherweight title. Guerrero won the fight by a unanimous decision to claim the world title. The scores were 117-112, 116-112 and 115-113 in his favor.[10]

In February 2010, Guerrero vacated his Featherweight title in order to care for his ailing wife.

Lightweight

On April 30, 2010, Guerrero moved up to the lightweight division to fight Robert Arrieta (35-15-4). The bout took place at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.[11] Guerrero won the fight by TKO in the 8th round.[12]

After the bout, Guerrero expressed his interest in fighting Mexican champion Juan Manuel Márquez.[13]

Guerrero vs. Casamayor

On July 31, 2010, Guerrero moved up to the junior welterweight division and faced Cuban fighter Joel Casamayor on the undercard of the Marquez vs. Diaz pay-per-view at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.[14] Guerrero defeated Casamayor by a 10 round unanimous decision.[15] On November 6, 2010, he faced Vicente Escobedo for the vacant WBO Inter-Continental lightweight title. Guerrero knocked Escobedo down in the third and sixth rounds en route to a ten round unanimous decision.[16] On April 9, 2011, Guerrero faced Michael Katsidis for the interim WBA and WBO lightweight titles. Guerrero won the bout with a 12 round unanimous decision.In a post fight interview when asked on his hometown he said,"It's nice when you're pretty much their biggest thing besides garlic in Gilroy." Guerrero was scheduled to face Marcos Maidana in August for the WBA jr welterweight title, however, he was forced to pull out of the bout after suffering a torn tendon in his rotator cuff. He underwent surgery to repair the injury and could be out of the ring for up to 6 months.[17]

Return to the ring

Guerrero returned to the ring by jumping two weight classes, to face unbeaten Top 10 Welterweight Selcuk Aydin. On July 28, 2012 Robert Guerrero defeated Aydin in San Jose, California by unanimous decision for the interim WBC welterweight title.[18]

Guerrero vs. Berto

Guerrero's next fight was against former two-time Welterweight champion Andre Berto. Guerrero started off the fight fast, sending Berto to the canvas each of the first two rounds, as well as badly closing Berto's right eye early on. Berto got back into the fight during the middle rounds, landing hard uppercuts and right hands on Guerrero, who took the punches well. Throughout the fight the two traded punches with Berto on the ropes and Guerrero smothering him, while out working him the majority of the time. By the end of the fight, both of Berto's eyes and Guerrero's right eye were closed shut. Guerrero won a unanimous decision by the scores of 116-110 on all three scorecards. In the post fight interview, Guerrero called out pound-for-pound champion Floyd Mayweather.

Guerrero vs. Mayweather

On May 4, 2013 Guerrero lost to Floyd Mayweather Jr in the WBC Welterweight Championship fight by a unanimous decision, with all judges scoring the fight 117-111 in favor of Mayweather. Mayweather won in a non-confrontational hit and run style avoiding Robert's powerful punches.

Guerrero vs. Kamegai

Guerrero took off a full year before returning to the ring to fight the Japanese Yoshihiro Kamegai. 'The Ghost' could hardly open his left eye toward the end of the fight, but scored a unanimous 12 round decision over the tough Kamegai,[19] thereby marking a triumphant return to the ring. His next fight is still unknown, though Amir Khan has been mentioned as a possibility.[20]

Guerrero vs. Thurman

On March 7, Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero fought in NBC's first episode of their new series, "Premier Boxing Champions" at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Guerrero's opponent, Keith "One-Time" Thurman, started off the match as the aggressor, throwing many powerful punches. Guerrero was able to withstand Thurman's blows, but was knocked down in the ninth round. Although the fight seemed bleak for Guerrero, he was able to fight back, giving an exciting final three rounds in which he became the aggressor, forcing Thurman against the ropes. Ultimately, "The Ghost" was unable to achieve a victory, and lost a unanimous decision to Keith Thurman. Despite this loss, Guerrero's determination and strong will to win had the crowd of the MGM Grand chanting his name for the majority of the final round. [21] [22]

Professional boxing record

32 Wins (18 knockouts, 13 decisions), 3 Losses (0 knockouts, 3 decisions), 1 Draw, 2 No Contests
Res. Record Opponent Type Rd., Time Date Location Notes
style="background: #ffdddd; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-no2" |Loss 32-3-1 United States Keith Thurman UD 12 2015-03-07 United States MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada For WBA Welterweight title.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 32-2-1 Japan Yoshihiro Kamegai UD 122014-06-21 United States StubHub Center, Carson, California
style="background: #ffdddd; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-no2" |Loss 31-2-1 United States Floyd Mayweather, Jr. UD 122013-05-04 United States MGM Grand Casino & Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada For WBC & vacant The Ring Welterweight titles.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 31-1-1United States Andre Berto UD 122012-11-24 United States Citizens Business Bank Arena, Ontario, California Retained Interim WBC Welterweight title.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 30-1-1Turkey Selçuk Aydın UD 122012-07-28 United States HP Pavilion, San Jose, California Won vacant Interim WBC Welterweight title.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 29-1-1Australia Michael Katsidis UD 122011-04-09 United States MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada Won Interim WBA & Interim WBO Lightweight titles.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 28-1-1United States Vicente Escobedo UD 102010-11-06 United States Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey Won WBO Inter-Continental Lightweight title.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 27-1-1 Cuba Joel Casamayor UD 10 2010-07-31 United States Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 26-1-1Argentina Roberto David Arrieta TKO 8 (10), 0:29 2010-04-30 United States Tropicana Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 25-1-1South Africa Malcolm Klassen UD 12 2009-08-22 United States Toyota Center, Houston, Texas Won IBF Super Featherweight title.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 24-1-1Mexico Efren Hinojosa RTD 8 (10), 3:00 2009-06-12 United States HP Pavilion, San Jose, California
NC Indonesia Daud Yordan ND 2 (10), 1:47 2009-03-07 United States HP Pavilion, San Jose, California For vacant WBO NABO Super Featherweight title.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 23-1-1Mexico Edel Ruiz TKO 1 (10), 0:43 2009-01-24 United States Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 22-1-1United States Jason Litzau KO 8 (12), 2:25 2008-02-29 United States Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino, Lemoore, California Retained IBF Featherweight title.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 21-1-1Mexico Martin Honorio TKO 1 (12), 0:56 2007-11-03 United States Desert Diamond Casino, Tucson, Arizona Retained IBF Featherweight title.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 20-1-1Albania Spend Abazi TKO 9 (12), 0:01 2007-02-23 Denmark Falconer Centret, Copenhagen, Denmark Won vacant IBF Featherweight title.
NC Mexico Orlando Salido ND 12 2006-11-04 United States Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada Retained IBF Featherweight title.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 19-1-1United States Eric Aiken RTD 8 (12), 3:00 2006-09-02 United States Staples Center, Los Angeles, California Won IBF Featherweight title.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 18-1-1Mexico Gamaliel Diaz KO 6 (12), 2:33 2006-06-23 United States Oakland Arena, Oakland, California Won NABF Featherweight title.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 17-1-1Mexico Sandro Marcos TKO 3 (10), 0:54 2006-05-18 United States HP Pavilion, San Jose, California
style="background: #ffdddd; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-no2" |Loss 16-1-1Mexico Gamaliel Diaz SD 12 2005-12-02 United States Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino, Lemoore, California Lost NABF Featherweight title.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 16-0-1Mexico Sammy Ventura KO 1 (12), 2:05 2005-09-16 United States Palace Indian Gaming Center, Lemoore, California Retained NABF Featherweight title.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 15-0-1Mexico Adrian Valdez TKO 12 2005-04-01 United States Palace Indian Gaming Center, Lemoore, California Retained NABF Featherweight title.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 14-0-1Mexico Cesar Figueroa KO 4 (12), 0:59 2004-12-09 United States Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California Won NABF Featherweight title.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 13-0-1Mexico Enrique Sanchez TKO 8 (10) 2004-06-03 United States Chinook Winds Casino, Lincoln City, Oregon
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 12-0-1Colombia Juan Polo Perez TKO 2 (6) 2004-04-24 United States Miccosukee Resort & Gaming, Miami, Florida
Draw 11-0-1Mexico Julian Rodriguez TD 1 (8), 1:17 2004-03-14 United States Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 11–0Mexico Jose Luis Tula TKO 1 (10), 2:30 2003-06-08 United States Texas Station Gambling Hall & Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 10–0United States David Vasquez TKO 1 (10), 1:02 2003-05-04 United States Spotlight 29 Casino, Coachella, California
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 9–0Nicaragua Jose Alfonso Rodriguez TKO 2 (6), 2:38 2002-12-20 United States American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 8–0Mexico Freddy Castro UD 6 2002-07-03 United States Hyatt Hotel, Monterey, California
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 7–0Mexico Marcos Badillo UD 6 2002-04-14 United States Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 6–0United States Robert Enriquez UD 4 2002-03-10 United States Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spas, Las Vegas, Nevada
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 5–0Mexico Joaquin Candelario UD 4 2002-02-08 United States Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 4–0United States Arthur Trevino UD 4 2002-01-25 United States Young Pavilion, Pembroke Pines, Florida
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 3–0United States Oscar Rosales UD 4 2001-11-02 United States Sunset Station Hotel & Casino, San Antonio, Texas
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win2–0United States Javier Gonzalez TKO 3 (4) 2001-09-29 United States Miccosukee Resort & Gaming, Miami, Florida
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 1–0Mexico Alejandro Cruz UD 4 2001-04-22 United States Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, California Professional Debut.

Documentary

The Ghost (2010) documents the life of three-time world champion boxer Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero. It was directed by Andrew Johnston, in association with Golden Boy Promotions.

References

  1. Coppinger, Mike (2012-11-25). "Guerrero outworks Berto for interim welterweight title". Usatoday.com. Retrieved 2013-02-01.
  2. "Brave Katsidis outpointed by American in title defence". Smh.com.au. 2011-04-11. Retrieved 2013-02-01.
  3. "Guerrero loses featherweight belt to Salido in Vegas - boxing - ESPN". Sports.espn.go.com. 2006-11-04. Retrieved 2013-02-01.
  4. "Casey Guerrero Robert Guerrero's Wife". Fabwags.com. Retrieved 2012-2-18. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  5. "AFP: Guerrero stops Litzau to retain IBF featherweight title". Afp.google.com. 2008-03-01. Retrieved 2013-05-10.
  6. "Robert 'The Ghost' Guerrero | News & Culture | Feature Story". Metroactive.com. Retrieved 2013-02-01.
  7. Beacham, Greg (June 13, 2009). "Guerrero back on track with win over Hinojosa". USA Today.
  8. "Guerrero claims Klassy win". Sky Sports. 2009-08-23.
  9. "Happy returns: Robert Guerrero wanted to fight Roberto Arrieta in April 30 - ESPN". Sports.espn.go.com. 2010-04-03. Retrieved 2013-02-01.
  10. Sandoval, Luis (2010-04-30). "Robert Guerrero Stops Robert Arrieta, Full Event Review". BoxingScene.com.
  11. Burton, Ryan (05-04-2010). "Robert Guerrero Eyes Juan Manuel Marquez Showdown". BoxingScene.com. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  12. Reeno, Rick (May 13, 2010). "Guerrero vs Casamayor in Play For Marquez-Diaz PPV". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved May 14, 2010.
  13. "Guerrero defeats Casamayor, Linares defeats Juarez, Pirog, Groves, Mendy, Gomez, Mitchell all win". Boxingnews24.com. Retrieved 2013-02-01.
  14. "Robert Guerrero Decisions Vicente Escobedo Over Ten - Boxing News". Boxingscene.com. 2010-11-07. Retrieved 2013-02-01.
  15. Satterfield, Lem (2011-08-24). "Breaking news: Guerrero to have arthroscopic surgery on shoulder | RingTV". Ringtv.craveonline.com. Retrieved 2013-02-01.
  16. "Robert Guerrero: Once I beat Aydin, I’ll have Floyd’s belt & be ready for him". ProBoxing-Fans.com. 2012-06-12. Retrieved 2013-02-01.
  17. http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/boxing/guerrero-kamegai-latest-in-series-of-stirring-brawls-at-stubhub-center-051837421.html
  18. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2045608-amir-khan-next-fight-best-opponents-for-king-khan-after-victory
  19. http://espn.go.com/boxing/story/_/id/12442553/keith-thurman-dominates-robert-guerrero-retain-welterweight-world-title
  20. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2389204-keith-thurman-ready-for-elite-fights-after-convincing-win-vs-robert-guerrero

External links

Preceded by
Eric Aiken
IBF Featherweight Champion
September 2, 2006 November 4, 2006
Lost to Orlando Salido,
title retroactively stripped from Salido
Vacant
Title next held by
Robert Guerrero
Vacant
Title last held by
Robert Guerrero
IBF Featherweight Champion
February 23, 2007 June 23, 2008
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Cristóbal Cruz
Preceded by
Malcolm Klassen
IBF Junior Lightweight Champion
August 22, 2009 February 16, 2010
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Mzonke Fana
Vacant
Title last held by
Miguel Acosta
WBA Lightweight Interim Champion
April 9, 2011 August 29, 2011
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Richard Abril
Vacant
Title last held by
Michael Katsidis
WBO Lightweight Interim Champion
April 9, 2011 September 1, 2011
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Ricky Burns
Vacant
Title last held by
Shane Mosley
WBC Welterweight Champion
Interim Title

July 28, 2012 May 4, 2013
Unified by Floyd Mayweather, Jr.