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11/01/2004 Archived Entry: "An Interview with Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero"
An Interview with Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero
By Ann Green
[Press Release from Mario Serrano, Publicist, www.theghostguerrero.com*]
Robert Guerrero
And just in time for Halloween! There were no tricks in store for me when I visited “The Ghost” (13-0-1 featherweight) from Gilroy, CA.….just the promise of lots of treats to come from this young, hard working and dedicated fighter. An all around athlete in junior high and high school, Guerrero made the decision to sacrifice football in time to make the 2000 Olympic trials at age 16, and has seen nothing but success in the ring since then.
AG: your victory over Enrique Sanchez in June was pretty convincing.
ROBERT GUERRERO: it was a great experience fighting Enrique Sanchez. He’s a well-respected champ, with only two losses, to Marco Antonio Barrera and Nestor Garza. He’s only been stopped twice, by me and Barrera. He’s solid, smart, crafty and a southpaw. He was my toughest fight, a veteran, smart. It’s always real like awkward to fight another southpaw, but I got through it easy, but I was fighting a real solid experienced champ, with lots of experience on me. Sanchez was crafty on the inside. Real smart. When I was on my jab, had it working, I controlled the fight. Every round. When I used that jab, he couldn’t do anything.
AG: since then, you’ve made some changes…a new trainer, what else is happening for you right now?
ROBERT GUERRERO: I’m right now looking forward to going to camp in Van Nuys with new trainer, John Bray. I should be fighting in December, no exact date yet. I’ll be super ready; I’m working on everything. Then I’m hoping to fight somebody in the top 10---looking forward to going some rounds, getting that experience and going for a title. That’s where it’s at. Marco Antonio Barrera, Manny Pacquaio, and Prince Hasem may come back, and Juan Manuel Marquez, Paulie Ayala. It’s one of the strongest weight classes. I’m SO excited to be in it. That’s where the action is at. When you win a title in that weight class, you know you’ve fought the best.
AG: Any chance of ever moving up from 126?
ROBERT GUERRERO: There’s so much to accomplish at 126, when I get that done, then I may go to 130.
AG: what are your strengths, and what makes you such a special fighter?
ROBERT GUERRERO: what makes me a special fighter…. I can box, I can bang. I’m all around. I can go both hands, I’ve got the speed, and I’m a southpaw. Very fast feet. I am blessed with God given attributes.
AG: tell me about going to Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym.
ROBERT GUERRERO: we go down to Wild Card 3 times a week to spar, that’ s where the best sparring is. You want great sparring? That’s where to go. Freddie’s a great guy, and Macka Foley is too. It’s awesome to go there and spar…always somebody there to spar with that’s going to work with you, push you. It’s awesome just to go watch the sparring. Especially James Toney! He’s a character, I love watching him fight, it’s like a boxing comedy show. I’d spar with him, to get that knowledge that he has, it would be great.
AG: any advice to new boxers making the transition from amateur to pro?
ROBERT GUERRERO: don’t slack off. If you’re going to go pro, take it serious! It’s a lot more dangerous than amateur boxing. The work is very hard.
AG: Tell me about “Team Guerrero”.
ROBERT GUERRERO: my father Ruben, handles all my exercises, calisthenics and strength training; John Bray is my head trainer, handles all my skill work, and technique; CHUCK BODAK! Mr. Chuck Bodak, world’s BEST cut man. The day of my Sanchez fight was his birthday, and I dedicated that fight to him. He was very happy. We had a good time. After that I brought him to the garlic festival in Gilroy, and he had a blast. Mario Serrano, my publicist, that guy gets the job done! And my manager, Bob Santos—one of the hardest working men on my team; and my promoter, Dan Goossen—he’s real great guy.
Robert’s hard work extends beyond the ring. He and publicist Mario Serrano make lots of time for kids.
“We visit kids in lots of Y’s, youth centers, boys and girls clubs. They keep up with the website, and Mario keeps the kids up on what’s going on. I like to remind kids to stay in school and NOT do drugs. If that one thing I say can spark their mind… I love inspire kids. I love to work with kids.
AG: name a popular song most describes you??
ROBERT GUERRERO: AC/ DC, TNT! When I get in the ring, I’m explosive, an action fighter. It’s exciting to watch something explode!!
Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero is a definite rising star in boxing, with the talent, determination and attitude to be a champ. He’s genuinely dedicated to his sport and sincere in his appreciation of the team behind him and the fans that cheer for him. He had this message in closing:
“Look out for me in December! My next fight will be posted on my website, robertguerrero.com I want to thank all my fans and GOD BLESS!!"
*This interview originally appeared at http://www.boxinginlasvegas.com/green_room_102904.htm
