A multitude of fans congregated in the city of Gilroy, California yesterday to honor their hometown hero, Five-Time World Champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, as May 15, 2011 was officially declared Robert Guerrero Day in the garlic capitol of the world and The Ghost was officially commended for his accomplishments in the ring and his roll as a community leader.
Al Pinheiro presented Robert with a proclamation stating, “I, Al Pinheiro mayor of the city of Gilroy and behalf of the entire city council, want to recognize the amazing accomplishments of Robert Guerrero, and honor him by naming May 15, 2011 in the city of Gilroy, as “Robert Guerrero Day.” We certainly thank you for all the work you do for the kids in our community and hope you continue to be a roll model, and for that, we want you to have the “Key to the City” of Gilroy. This key opens the doors to the hearts of the citizens of Gilroy. We thank you for all that you’ve done. Congratulations!”
Trina Brajkovich, account executive of the National Marrow Donor Program avowed, “It was an honor to be a part of such an important day for Robert Guerrero. It was a true testament to Mr. Guerrero’s character that on a day of his being honored that he would turn it into helping others. Through his efforts and those of the people closest to him, 53 people were added to the Marrow Registry, saving unknown lives and giving hope to numerous patients and their families.”
California Assemblyman Luis Alejo greeted fans saying, “It’s so good to see so many people come out to honor Gilroy’s native son, somebody who exemplifies the very best, to achieve the greatest of heights. I’m very honored to present this proclamation on behalf of the State Assembly and behalf of the State Senate.”
Robert Guerrero was given the “Chief’s Challenge Coin” by Gilroy Police Chief Denise Turner who declared, “You have gone above and beyond the call of duty and very few people are presented with this coin. We give them to police members and community members and you definitely have made the mark. With our encouragement we want to thank you so much for being a role model for all of these kids and for what you’ve done for Gilory.”
Ten-Time World Champion and President of Golden Boy Promotions (Guerrero’s Promoter) Oscar de la Hoya echoed the sentiments expressed by those honoring Guerrero, “There are very few athletes in the world today who have the character of Robert Guerrero. Not only is he a tremendous talent and accomplished boxer, but his dedication to his family and his community is something that should be an inspiration to all. I’m proud to that Golden Boy is his promoter and congratulate him on his well deserved honors and recognitions.”
In addition Guerrero was presented a Certificate of Commendation from Supervisor Mike Wasserman, Documentation from the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Association and a Certificate of Appreciation from the American Legion of Gilroy.
Robert Guerrero went on to say, “It truly is an honor. I thank you guys from the bottom of my heart. I went through a lot of adversity and behind every great man is a great women, and she’s right here [Guerrero’s wife Casey]. The biggest accomplishment I ever had was starting my own family and being there for them. That’s why I took the time out from boxing to be by my wife. I just thank God that she’s doing well and everybody out here for supporting us. Thank you.”
A true champion, Robert Guerrero stayed until he had signed autographs for everyone in attendance. The money raised for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society will be tallied up and presented at a later date.
