Robert
”
The Ghost
”
Guerrero suffered a left shoulder injury during a sparring
session Wednesday and as a result his Aug. 27 fight versus Marcos
Maidana has been canceled, Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard
Schaefer confirmed Thursday. Full story
Police briefs: Date steals credit card info
Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero didn’t need any more twists or turns added into his already-tumultuous 10-year career.
However, his proverbial roller coaster ride took a devastating dip downward Wednesday.
On the brink of the biggest fight of his career, the five-time world champion suffered a left shoulder injury during a sparring session, forcing the cancellation of his much-anticipated Aug. 27 bout versus Marcos Maidana at San Jose’s HP Pavilion, Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer announced Thursday.
“He injured his shoulder to the point where it was numb. He couldn’t move it at all,” Schaefer said during a conference call which was to have also included Guerrero (29-1-1 18KOs) and Maidana (30-2 28 KOs.)
“They iced it in hopes that it would get better overnight. It did not. It was worse. He couldn’t put a jacket on or a shirt – can’t move the arm at all. They are afraid it could be a torn rotator cuff. We don’t know. As a result, the fight card, a card which we were all very, very much looking forward (to), unfortunately has to be canceled.”
Schaefer received a call from Guerrero’s manager Bob Santos Thursday morning relaying the news.
“I have to say that when I talked to Bob Santos he sounded extremely, extremely, extremely concerned,” Schaefer said. “We obviously wish, and hope, that Robert is going to be well and that it is an injury which can be taken care of.”
Guerrero, a southpaw, had an MRI taken of his shoulder in Redwood City on Thursday. But no word on the severity of the injury was provided by the Guerrero camp by print deadline.
Guerrero addressed the situation through a press release sent out by Golden Boy Thursday evening.
“I’m devastated because I worked my whole life for the opportunity to be a main event on HBO,” he said. “It’s a major blow to my team and family, but I’ll continue to keep strong in my faith in Jesus Christ. To all of my fans, I’ll be back and I know God has plans for me to perform in the future.”
The release did not reveal any more on the extent of the injury.
With the fight nine days away – a triumphant Bay Area homecoming – The Ghost, who was set to make his debut at 140 pounds, was approaching the home stretch of his extensive six-week training camp in Big Bear. During a brief visit in Gilroy two weeks ago, Guerrero professed that he was in top physical shape, the best of his career.
“I feel real fast, sharp. I feel real strong. I’ve never felt this way for a fight,” he said. “Last time I felt this good is when I fought Katsidis. And, actually, I feel better – way better.”
But, an unpredictable and unforeseeable setback has once again prevented the Gilroy native from participating in a lucrative and potentially career-altering marquee match-up.
The growing theme of one step forward, two steps back leaves Guerrero with the daunting task of having to bounce back in the face of adversity just as his career was generating momentum at an all-time rate.
In February 2010, with a then-top paying championship gig lined up against Michael Katsidis, Guerrero pulled out to be with wife Casey, who was recovering from a life-saving bone marrow transplant. Guerrero rejuvenated interest once Casey’s health improved.
In 2009, Guerrero, headlining in San Jose, suffered a vicious cut above the eye in the second round, resulting in a stoppage and a chorus of criticism.
Before that, in 2006, a fight in which Guerrero originally lost to Orlando Salido was changed to a no contest after Salido tested positive for steroids.
Guerrero managed to beat those odds, and through a rigid and unfailing work ethic, resurrected his career to the cusp of greatness. Now he will have to do that again.
“This is a big setback for him,” Schaefer said. “I talked to him yesterday morning and they were feeling great. It’s just really too bad that this fight won’t happen.”
The 12-round bout was scheduled to air as part of HBO’s Boxing After Dark live from the HP Pavilion in San Jose with the WBA interim super lightweight title on the line.
“This is a fight that was on track to selling out in San Jose at the HP Pavilion,” Schaefer said. “It is really unfortunate that this exciting showdown is not happening at this point. I hope it’s going to be postponed and rescheduled.”
–– As for fans who have tickets in hand, Schaefer said that there will be, “a full refund available to them.”
Director of Public Relations for HP Pavilion, Jim Sparaco said that fans can return to the point of sale – where the tickets were bought – and they will receive their refund. For purchases made online, Sparaco said credit cards will be automatically reimbursed.
“Those refunds should start taking place within the next 24 hours,” he said.
