GILROY—Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero is returning to the ring and ushering in a new boxing series in the process.
The Garlic Capital boxer will go toe-to-toe with Keith Thurman of Tampa in the inaugural Premier Boxing Champions bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The fight is the first of 20 live fights in the PBC series and will be broadcast at 6 p.m. March 7 on NBC.
“This is what boxing needs. It’s a beautiful thing,” Guerrero said. “I can’t wait to get in there and perform to my best ability.”
Adding to the excitement is a shot at the full WBA welterweight title. Guerrero has already won four world titles across four weight classes and is looking to add to his collection.
“He’s (Thurman) the champion and my job is to bring that belt home to Gilroy,” he said. “I want to thank all my fans back home for their support. Everyone needs to know that all they have to do is turn on the TV and the fight will be available.”
A fight with Thurman is exactly what “The Ghost” wanted. Guerrero said his opponent is one of the best up and comers in boxing. With a shot to end Thurman’s undefeated streak, Guerrero said the boxing bell can’t ring soon enough.
“I’m all about fighting the best,” Guerrero said. “I’m going to have to be on my “A” game and use my experience to my advantage. He’s been saying he’s going to knock me out so we’ll see if he comes to fight.
“Everyone talks a big game. If Mr. Thurman is the warrior that he claims to be then it will be a fight for the ages, one everyone will remember throughout time. I’m preparing for everything and I’m going to leave my soul in the ring as I always do. He better be ready for war!”
This is “The Ghost’s” first fight since beating Yoshihiro Kamegai by unanimous decision on June 21, 2014 in Carson. He boasts a record of 32-2-1 with 18 KOs. Thurman is 24-0-0 and has tallied 21 KOs.
Also on the March 7 fight card is Adrien “The Problem” Broner (29-1-0, 22 KOs) versus John Molina Jr. (27-5-0, 22 KOs).
“PBC on NBC” will be hosted by seven-time Emmy award winner Al Michaels. The series will also feature “fan and fighter first” innovations about fighter safety and fan entertainment, according to a press release.
Fights will be broadcast on both NBC and NBCSN. For more information and to view a schedule of other fights, visit premierboxingchampions.com, facebook.com/premierboxingchampions or twitter.com/premierboxing.
