By Lem Satterfield
Former two-time IBF featherweight and one-time IBF super featherweight titlist, lightweight contender, Robert Guerrero (28-1-1, 18 knockouts), has similarly sought an initial match up with Juan Manuel Marquez (51-5-1, 38 KOs), being the mandatory challenger to Marquez's WBO belt. Golden Boy Promotions has tried to approach Marquez with the fight. The Mexican champion is not interested.
"In the past, I've tried to be respectful about it and I've tried to give him the benefit of the doubt. But I think that he just doesn't want to get into the ring with me," said Guerrero. "You know, boxing is supposed to be about making big prize fights, and it's just too bad. I guess that the warrior has left him, and that he's kind of hanging by a thread."
In November, Guerrero was at ringside when Marquez rose from a third-round knockdown to score a ninth-round knockout over WBO interim king Michael Katsidis in an HBO televised, Golden Boy Promotions clash. In the aftermath of his triumph over Katsidis, Marquez mentioned Pacquiao, yet again, or, perhaps a move to junior welterweight. But a disappointed Guerrero did not hear Marquez call out his name.
"That's funny, because I've earned the right to be there. But when I got into the mandatory spot, and my name was mentioned, he never acknowledged me," said Guerrero. "But every other fighter, it seemed got named except me. There's a reason for that. Obviously, he doesn't want to fight."
"I just don't think that Marquez wants it anymore. I'm just a young, strong, fast big guy, and he's seen that because I've fought on some of his unde cards. It's like he's looking for every excuse not to fight me and looking for any way out."
Lem Satterfield is the boxing editor at AOL FanHouse and the news editor at BoxingScene.com. To read more from Lem Satterfield, go to AOL FanHouse by Clicking Here.
