In November 2007, Robert Guerrero was on the cusp of stardom. He powered his way to 20 wins in his first 21 bouts, with a healthy helping of television exposure on Fox Sports Net, HBO, and Showtime. As the pride of Gilroy, a town outside San Jose renowned as the “Garlic Capital of the World”, Guerrero was resolute on taking control of the featherweight division and entering his name in the conversation with the Pacquiaos and Marquezes of the boxing world, who loomed just four pounds north at the time.
How times have changed.
Robert’s wife Casey, who has been with him since he was 14, was diagnosed with leukemia. Soon after, he was embroiled in a contract dispute that resulted in a one-year period of inactivity and a new promoter. In a big opportunity to showcase his skills on HBO against Daud Yordan in March of last year, a clash of heads in the second round led to a controversial no-contest when the now 27-year-old Guerrero was accused of dictating the stoppage. Two months ago, after moving up to 130 pounds and taking his second IBF title in as many weight classes, he relinquished the belt upon the news that Casey would be undergoing a bone marrow transplant.
Hopefully, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Casey’s leukemia has been determined to be in remission, and Guerrero, 25-1-1 (17) with two no-contests, returns to the ring next Friday.
I recently spoke with “The Ghost” as he aims to silence any doubts of ring rust as well as address the criticism about fighting through adversity, when he moves up to the lightweight division to face Roberto Arrieta, 35-15-4 (17), on April 30’s installment of Telefutura’s Solo Boxeo.
LINK:
http://www.maxboxing.com/news/promo-lead/without-a-trace-ghost-guerrero-looks-to-make-all-doubts-disappear
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