Even though it’s his nickname, Robert
”
The Ghost
”
Guerrero’s opponent is the one that just disappeared into thin
air.
Gilroy – Even though it’s his nickname, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero’s opponent is the one that just disappeared into thin air.
Expected to defend his IBF Featherweight title against 2000 Olympic Silver Medalist Rocky Juarez (27-3, 19 KOs) on Golden Boy Promotions’ “Fireworks” HBO PPV card at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Sept. 15, Guerrero must find a new challenger after it was announced Monday that Jorge Barrios, the main event challenger, will not take on junior lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez. A physical found that Barrios had detached retinas in both eyes and would need surgery, making him unable to fight. Juarez quickly moved into Barrios’ place, leaving “The Ghost” to look for a new foe.
The two-time champion, Guerrero (20-1-1-1, 13 KOs), is looking to defend his belt for the first time since recapturing the crown with a victory over Denmark’s Spend Abazi in February.
Fighters that have been rumored to replace Jaurez include Golden Boy’s Martin Honorio (24-3-1, 12 KOs) and Tanzanian Rogers Mtagwa (23-11-2, 17 KOs).
Mtagwa’s last fight was less than a month ago when he won a split decision for the vacant NABF Featherweight title over Mexico’s Aldo Valtierra (24-9, 13 KOs). While Mtagwa is the fifth ranked contender in the IBF (Juarez and Abazi were ranked No. 3 and 4, respectively. No one was ranked 1 or 2.), it seems unlikely that he would be ready to fight with such a quick turnaround.
Honorio seems the more likely candidate since he is a fighter in Oscar De La Hoya’s camp (Golden Boy), which is setting up the entire card. He presents a much different style for Guerrero than the shorter Juarez would have considering he is the same height, 5 foot 10 inches, as “The Ghost.”
