Q & A with Robert Guerrero

Ten questions for undefeated NABF featherweight champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (16-0-1, 9 KOs) who defends his title Friday night in a 12-rounder against Gamaliel Diaz at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, CA (SHOWTIME). Ranked No. 2 by the WBC and No. 9 by the IBF, Guerrero, from Gilroy, CA, is on a fast track toward a fight for the featherweight title.

TheSweetScience.com: What type of fight are you expecting from Diaz?

Robert Guerrero: I expect Diaz to come to the party with his [A] game. I mean, he’s had plenty of time to prepare for this fight. I’m expecting him to be ready. One thing for sure is that I will be ready to go.

TheSweetScience.com: Do you think it’s going to be tough getting a title shot because of your height (5-foot-10) and your southpaw stance?

RG: I don’t think it’s that way with all the good talent in the featherweight division.  Everyone is willing to fight everyone. I don’t see anyone backing down to nobody. This is a very tough weight class. If the shot comes my way, I believe it will happen.

TheSweetScience.com: How did you get the name “The Ghost” and who gave it to you?

RG: I got the name back when I was 9 years old and started boxing. They used to say, now you see him, now you don’t, just like a Ghost.

TheSweetScience.com: You were only 16 in the Olympic Trials. What was that experience like?

RG:  It’s great experience fighting grown men when you’re still a teenager. I was 16 fighting 21 and 22 year olds. I thought I did well. But the pro game is so different. I love the pro style.

TheSweetScience.com: Did you compete in any other sports growing up?

RG: I played football, but boxing was my passion.

TheSweetScience.com: What’s your greatest asset as a fighter?

RG:  My faith in Jesus Christ is what keeps everything together. It’s the mindset that God has blessed me with the most. I mean, you have to be so disciplined, I don’t think most people know how important it is to stay disciplined.

TheSweetScience.com: How did you get into boxing?

RG: All my brothers and dad and my grandpa were boxers. It’s in my blood.

TheSweetScience.com: With your height and young age, are you planning to eventually move up a few weight classes? How tough is it to make featherweight?

RG: I’m all right at making 126. I want to win the world title then move up. God willing, I can do that. I would have the same goal at 130 and so on.

TheSweetScience.com: What happened in your draw with Julian Rodriquez?

RG:  Rick and everyone reading … the guy didn’t want to fight. He found a way out. That’s all I can say.

TheSweetScience.com: Did you learn anything in that fight?

RG: For sure. I learned that relaxation and control are keys to the sweet science of boxing.