AROMAS, Calif. ? There?s still plenty of time to talk about the assortment of boxing styles Robert Guerrero and Keith Thurman will mix and match in their March 7 welterweight bout on NBC.
Guerrero had plenty to say about that Wednesday at a low-key media workout at Crossfit Ranch in Aromas, about midway between Salinas and Guerrero?s hometown, Gilroy, and we?ll discuss strategy in days before the fight. Much of that discussion Wednesday involved Guerrero?s versatility and ability to adjust in the ring.
In the meantime, there?s no sense forgetting this matchup was tantalizing people two years ago, and the changing circumstances made for Guerrero?s most interesting comments Wednesday.
A Thurman-Guerrero buildup surfaced in mid to late 2013 after Guerrero?s loss to Floyd Mayweather. Thurman seemed a logical opponent in the aftermath to many boxing fans. At the time, however, Thurman was too little-known despite his obvious talent, and there wasn?t much percentage in the risk for Guerrero.
Two years of virtual inaction later, Guerrero has no choice but to take just about any lucrative or challenging fight, and Thurman has come on to outrank Guerrero and present a formidable barrier for the former featherweight, junior lightweight and lightweight champion.
That why Guerrero maintains that no one has ducked anyone. After all, ?I?m fighting him now.?
Thurman won?t let that explanation stand. ?He?s known I?ve been knocking on his door, ? Thurman said during a recent teleconference.
That doesn?t bother Guerrero, but Thurman?s tendency to talk, in his scenarios for subsequent fights, as though a victory over Guerrero is a fait accompli has been a bit off-putting to the Ghost, whose top seven or eight top conquests still easily outshine Thurman?s still-undistinguished list of victims, regardless of why the list is undistinguished.
?It?s kind of a slap in the face,? Guerrero said.
?He?s a great talker; very sharp,? Guerrero took pains to add, ?but you?ve gotta look at who?s in front of you.
?I?m going to be his toughest challenge to date. He?s talkin? like he?s gonna walk right through me.?
