By Ryan Burton

Middleweight prospect Fernando Guerrero (16-0) takes on Jessie Nicklow in the main event in Hinckley, Minnesota on tonight's season finale of Shobox.  The highly regarded Dominican sensation talks about the keys to victory and his future plans in this BoxingScene.com exclusive interview.

BoxingScene.com:  Tell us about tonight's fight?

Fernando Guerrero: I very excited about the fight.  It is going to be a great fight.  I am happy to be on Shobox.  Jessie and I have known each other since the amateurs and it will be great fighting someone who I consider one of my good friends.

BoxingScene.com:  Does the fact that you know him so well make it harder to want to hurt the guy?

Fernando Guerrero:  It makes it more fun.  I grew up in a boxing family and we would just go at with each other harder than with anybody else.  That is how boxing is.  For me it is just a sport you know.

BoxingScene.com:  What are the keys to leaving the ring victorious?

Fernando Guerrero:  Basically it comes down to hit and don't get hit and just listening to my corner.

BoxingScene.com:  Did you incorporate anything different in preparing for this fight?

Fernando Guerrero: Well I trained hard for this fight but I always train hard.  One thing I did differently is I went to Vegas for Lamont's (Peterson) camp.  I just tried to work on the little things like trying to pinpoint my shots.

BoxingScene.com:  I see you already have another fight planned for February and....

Fernando Guerrero: (interrupting)  that isn't my plan.  That is my manager setting that up.  He is always one step ahead.  I am focused on this fight in front of me and nothing else.

BoxingScene.com:  Do you plan on having a busy 2010?

Fernando Guerrero:  My plan is to have a successful 2010.  As long as I am successful I will be happy.

BoxingScene.com:  How many more fights do you feel you before you are ready for a title shot?

Fernando Guerrero: Well I have been asked that question a lot the last few days.  My manager feels I need about eight or nine more fights so if that is what he thinks then I am going to agree with him.

BoxingScene.com:  three out of your last four fights have been out of your adopted hometown of Salsbury, Maryland.  How does it feel to fighting in Minnesota?

Fernando Guerrero:  It feels great.  It feels like I am moving along and not just staying in one place.  It is just more place I can say I fought you know.  Its not just like I can only fight in one place.  I will probably have two more fights after this somewhere else and then I will be back fighting in Salsbury in front of my crowd.

BoxingScene.com: That leads to my next question.  You really draw the people to watch you fight in Salsbury.  What is the secret to your success?

Fernando Guerrero:  I think it is more just the people of Salsbury. When you are from Salsbury and you are successful and you are giving back to you community as much as I have then they are going to support you.  It is a small town community but they give a lot of support.

BoxingScene.com:  When you were an amateur what boxers did you look up to?

Fernando Guerrero:  I always looked up to Lamont Peterson because he was in the amateurs at the same time too.  Besides him I looked up to Tito Trinidad just because of his charisma and the way he attracted a crowd.  I like Oscar De La Hoya for the same charisma and the way he accepted challenges.

BoxingScene.com:  Who wins Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather?

Fernando Guerrero:  I think Manny Pacquiao winning will be better for boxing.  I think Floyd Mayweather is just real smart and a real good counter puncher and Manny makes a lot of mistakes.  That is going to be a tough fight because Manny Pacquiao has been proving a lot of doubters wrong just like when he beat Cotto.  I thought Cotto would win because he was bigger but its tough to call this fight.  I want whats best for boxing so I hope Manny wins.

BoxingScene.com:  Do you have a message for the fans?

Fernando Guerrero:  Yes I do.  My message is basically boxers are entertainers and they are the crowd and they are the ones that make us.  If you love boxing or any sport support it.  Win or lose support the person especially when they lose because that is when they need it the most.  Thanks for the support and be safe and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Years.

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