Boxing luminaries came together for the 86th Boxing Writers Association of America’s annual dinner this past weekend in Las Vegas. With his incredible story outside of the ring during a time when his wife was battling leukemia, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero was awarded the Bill Crawford award for “Courage in Overcoming Adversity.” Guerrero had a remarkable year inside the ring as well, winning bouts against former Gold medalist and four-time world champion Joel Casamayor, Olympian Vicente Escobedo and former two-time champion tough guy, Michael Katsidis.
ESPN’s Dan Rafael presented Guerrero with the prestigious award stating, “How a fighter deals with the adversity being in a victory or defeat often becomes a big part of how that fighter is remembered. But fighters like all people have to deal with adversity in their everyday lives and Robert Guerrero is one of the top fighters in the world right now…fighting very well right now, very, very well. Outside of the ring he has shown true grit doing it in a very classy manner. Robert and his family were dealing with a lot more than a boxing match. His wife Casey who’s here with us tonight…she was hit with leukemia and she was not doing well. She needed Robert by her side and he needed to take care of her and their kids and be with the family. Instead of going forward with the fight (Vs. Katsidis in 2010) which is what would have been a career high payday for him at that time. He decided to withdrawal from the bout and gave up his world championship belt, something I know he worked very hard for and remained by her side. Casey proved to be a fighter in her own right and is now in remission. The way he handled himself in his career during the darkest days for him and Casey is an inspiration to many.”
Robert Guerrero went on to say, “First I want to thank God. He’s blessed me a lot and my wife is here with me today. She’s been a year in remission and she’s cancer free. I just want to thank Golden Boy for being by my side every step of the way when I vacated my title and had to take care of my wife. I’m thankful to the writers for recognizing my courage outside the ring. I want to thank everyone for their prayers and support. I’m back now and coming to fight hard for all the fans.”
Robert looks to continue his astonishing boxing career with the biggest names in the sport. Guerrero’s skills and experience are approaching new heights and his ring presence is demanded by fans around the world.
