Is Robert Guerrero being victimized by his own talent? A few members of his team believe so, and with certain fighters not stepping up to the plate, it is possible. In this exclusive interview conducted by Boxingtalk, the three time former world champion speaks out on who he feels is ducking him, his upcoming fight in April and who he wants next, enjoy.
Benny Henderson Jr.: First off, how is your wife Casey doing?
Robert Guerrero: Thanks for asking Benny, she?s doing fantastic. She?s cancer free and I thank the good Lord Jesus Christ for her good health. Matter of fact, I just had a party celebrating her one year anniversary for her bone marrow transplant. Family and friends got together?it was great.
BH: That?s awesome man, please give her my blessings.
RG: I will thank you.
BH: I?ve read that you have a fight scheduled for April 9th, do you have an opponent yet?
RG: Well, after I beat Escobedo, I earned the right to challenge Juan Manuel Marquez as his mandatory for his WBO title. The fight was offered to him for April 9th, but he declined. Then the fight was offered to Eric Morales, he rejected it and told Golden Boy that he?d rather face Marcos Maidana. So now I believe their talking about me fighting Michael Katsidis on that day.
BH: So you?re saying Morales decide he?d rather fight Maidana than you, I find that interesting.
RG: Morales stated he feels he has a better chance of beating Maidana then me. It?s my understanding he said I was too young, too fast and too strong. I give him more credit though; at least he?s man enough to state the facts.
BH: Do you believe JMM is ducking you?
RG: Yes I do believe Marquez is ducking me. I mean the guy won?t even whisper my name anywhere. He obligated his mandatory challenge with Katsidis, so I don?t see any other reason why he wouldn?t fight me unless he?s ducking me?.period.
BH: Do you feel that money is the issue and that?s why Marquez won?t fight you?
RG: No?money is not the issue. The fact is he?ll make more money fighting me then he will fighting anyone else outside of Pacquiao or Mayweather, so he?s just straight up avoiding me. He can?t say I don?t have a big enough name; I?m a three-time world champion. I?ve traveled Denmark to win a world title, something he knows is very difficult. Look what happened to him when he fought overseas. One thing I know is that I?m not going anywhere. My nick name is ?The Ghost? but Robert Guerrero is for real. I?m just going to keep putting pressure on him by winning and eventually Marquez will have to fight me?if not then I?ll run him into retirement.
BH: You?re promoter, Golden Boy, is one of the top promotional company?s in the sport. Do you feel their doing everything they can to get you that big fight?
RG: Golden Boy promotions are about putting on the best possible fights. Unfortunately you have a lot of fighters that are offered fights behind the scenes, and for one reason and one reason only, they choose who they think they can beat. I believe Richard Schaefer and everyone at GBP is doing everything they can to get me a big fight, but they can?t hold a gun to someone?s head and make them fight. Juan Diaz chose to fight Paulie Malignaggi instead of me, JMM and Morales are doing the same now. My time is coming and GBP has always got my back. The fact is everyone?s avoiding me.
BH: Talk about Michael Katsidis. You guys were supposed to fight last year but you vacated your title to care for your wife and the fight never happened. Now we?ve come full circle, give us your thoughts.
RG: Michael Katsidis is a great fighter with a lot of heart. He?s had to deal with some tragic situations over the last few months, so I take my hat off to him for hanging in there. I myself had to deal with some adversity with my wife?s illness so it?s been a bumpy road for both of us. I believe on April 9th the fans will see one of the best fights of 2011. We both are going to leave everything in the ring. It?s going to be a great fight.
BH: In closing, is there anything you want to say to the fans?
RG: I respect everyone who steps in the ring, but some guys are losing credibility. Boxing is about putting the best fighters up against each other and making great fights for the fans. I?ve always said to be the best you have to fight the best, but maybe some of these guys have more faith in there management then they do in their own ability. On April 9th I?m looking to put on a great show for the fans. Thank you and God bless.
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