By David "Los Gatos" Rosenberg
Former multi-division champion Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero sits down to discuss a recent poll where experts gave their opinions on a possible future clash between himself and WBC welterweight king Floyd Mayweather Jr. Guerrero gave his opinion on the trilogy clash between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, and even took a shot at WBA/IBF junior welterweight champ Amir Khan.
Robert let’s get right into the heart of it. There was an expert panel that gave they’re take on a potential fight with you and Floyd Mayweather. Some people picked you to win against the pound for pound best fighter in the world, how does that make you feel?
RG: Well, it really made me feel good to see a true legend like Roberto Duran, one of my all time favorite fighters, to pick me to defeat Floyd Mayweather being that he himself did it when he moved up from lightweight to welterweight to defeat Sugar Ray Lenard. Also from a Hall of Fame trainer like Emanuel Steward to have it a pick-em fight, is a great testament to my God given boxing ability.
Robert, if Floyd Mayweather doesn’t fight Manny Pacquiao May 5th, 2012 on Cinco de Mayo, what is your take on some of his potential opponents, like Amir Khan, Erik Morales and Sergio Martinez?
RG: With Khan, he talks like he’s pound for pound the best, but yet he says he still needs three or four more fights according to him and Freddie. I know I’m ready to take the mantle of pound for pound best by fighting the best which is Floyd Mayweather. I don’t need three or four more fights, I’m ready now. Enough said! In Erik Morales’ case, he’s an all time great, but styles make fights and his style is not comparable to an entertaining fight against Mayweather at any time in his career, let alone now. I’ll give you an example; take a look at his fight with Zahir Raheem, he has trouble with slick fighters. And with Sergio Martinez, he’s an excellent fighter but I think he would be to weight drained to make it a compelling fight.
For people that say you haven’t earned the right to fight a guy like Floyd Mayweather, what do you say?
RG: I’m a multiple world champion and I’ve gone overseas to win titles. I’ve won titles in three different divisions. That’s always the excuse when you’re trying to avoid the young hungry lion. For instance, Jesus Chavez, Carlos Hernandez, Sharmba Mitchell, Victory Ortiz and Henry Bruseles, who did they beat to get their chance to fight Floyd? Not one of them has accomplished as much as I have.
What do you say when fans say you’re too small coming up from lightweight to compete at welterweight?
RG: People seem to forget that Floyd, at one time fought at jr. lightweight, which is 130 pounds for those who don’t know. He’s 5’8, I’m 5’9 and I’m bigger than both Marquez and Pacquiao. What does it matter? For instance, Victor Ortiz came in over 160 pounds; one of the biggest fighters Floyd has ever fought and got blown out. Sometimes Mayweather walks into the ring at 148 or 149 and sometimes I come in at 150, again what does it matter. Marquez on the other hand, who at one time fought at featherweight, went the distance with Floyd when Floyd came in heavy. He didn’t even make weight and he was much bigger than Marquez on that day. And that gets to my point again, its skills that gets the job done, not size.
What’s your take on the Pacquiao vs. Marquez fight?
RG: Again styles make fights. If you look at Manny, he blew through De La Hoya, Hatton, Margarito, Cotto but yet Marquez, who I feel beat Pacquiao the other night, gives him the most problems and he happens to be the smallest of those guys I just mentioned. That’s why the old timers always say styles make fights.
So what’s next for you?
RG: I’m willing to fight Mayweather, Pacquiao, Marquez and whoever else. I want the best. Whoever my promoter and management put in front of me I’ll fight. I’ve never ducked anybody. My name is Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero not Amir “Con Artist”. I know I’m one of the best fighters walking the planet…period.
