Robert
”
the Ghost
”
Guerrero says he is not under any false illusions.
The Gilroy fighter is heading Monday to Los Angeles to begin
serious preparations for his International Boxing Federation
featherweight title fight against Spend Abazi of Denmark.
Robert “the Ghost” Guerrero says he is not under any false illusions.
The Gilroy fighter is heading Monday to Los Angeles to begin serious preparations for his International Boxing Federation featherweight title fight against Spend Abazi of Denmark.
The fight will take place on Feb. 16 in Denmark, according to Bob Santos, Guerrero’s co-manager. The promoter is listed as Bettina Palle, who is also listed as Abazi’s trainer. Yes, it’s legal across the pond to be both promoter and trainer.
It will be Guerrero’s first fight since Nov. 4, 2006, when he lost a decision to Orlando Salido, who relinquished the IBF title four days later when he tested positive for steroids. The IBF mandated the top two challengers meet for the vacant title, which are Guerrero and Abazi (35-1, 10 KOs).
Guerrero will train for the first time under trainer Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood. Roach has worked with Michael Moorer, Johnny Tapia, James Toney and Manny Pacquiao. Roach replaces John Bray in Guerrero’s corner.
“It came down to the best interests of my career,” Guerrero, 23, said of the trainer switch. “He (Roach) is one of the best trainers in boxing. I am excited to be with Freddie to find out the knowledge he has in boxing.”
Guerrero worked under the tutelage of Bray for the past two years. Joe Goosen was his trainer for one year before Bray. Ruben Guerrero, the Ghost’s father, was his trainer when Robert first broke in as a professional.
“John said that if it was in my best interest and that’s what my team wanted, that he wouldn’t stand in my way,” said Guerrero, 19-1-1 with 12 KOs not counting the Salido fight. “It was the road my management wanted to take and I feel it’s a great move.”
Guerrero and wife, Casey, are expecting their second child in late February. Guerrero has resigned himself that he might miss the birth of his first son.
“It’s exciting but you have to do what you have to do,” Guerrero said. “If I have to sacrifice not seeing my child born, I’ll just have to do it. I’m excited the baby is coming but I’m also excited about fighting for the world title again.”
As for fighting in Denmark, Guerrero says he can deal with that as well.
“I’m going into another guy’s country and my back’s against the wall,” Guerrero said. “I’ll go out there and do what I do best. I’ll be in great shape and do what I have to do.”
Guerrero knows that he can’t leave any doubt in the minds of the judges and knows there have been instances in the past when fighters didn’t get a fair shake in an opponent’s home country.
“It’s there in my mind (about what has happened to others),” Guerrero said. “But there are fighters like Winky Wright (17-2 in fights outside the U.S.) who have gone to other countries and dominated. I’ve got to go there as clear-minded as can be. If you let things like that get in your head you get psyched out. I just have to block it out.
“I haven’t seen the tape on him. From what management says, he’s a rough, tough guy who likes to slug it out. I can’t wait to get over there to put a beating on the guy. I’ll get together with Freddie to see what type of game plan he comes up with and make it happen.”
