Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero will attempt to hand Floyd “Money” Mayweather the first loss of his professional career when they face off on Saturday, May 4 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. While it has yet to be seen whether Guerrero’s faith can will him to victory as he has recently claimed it will, it is evident that determination has guided him to the biggest fight of his career.
While it’s not a surprise that Guerrero has earned the opportunity to face Mayweather, the proven pound-for-pound and pay-per-view king, it might surprise even the most dedicated boxing fans to know just how long Guerrero lobbied for this opportunity.
Editor’s Note: Robert Guerrero was twice quoted on ProBoxing-Fans.com in interviews predating all of the below, one in April 2011 and one in June 2011, mentioning his desire to land a fight with Floyd Mayweather.
November 11, 2011
“I just believe that there’s a potential Mayweather fight out there for me. You know, Mayweather wants to come back on May 5. (Ring TV)
“I’m a world champion over three different weight divisions. I’ve fought overseas and I’ve won five titles. What more can I do in boxing to put myself into position for a fight of this magnitude?” (Ring TV)
“I’m throwing it out there. There shouldn’t be any reason that that fight can’t be made. My last fight, I walked into the ring at 152 pounds. Mayweather walks into the ring at 148 or 149 or 150, so that’s not much of a difference. I can make 147 no problem.” (Ring TV)
November 21, 2011
“I’m a multiple world champion and I’ve won titles in three different divisions. That’s always the excuse when you’re trying to avoid the young lion. For instance, Jesus Chavez, Carlos Hernandez, Sharmba Mitchell, Victor Ortiz and Henry Bruseles, who did they beat to get their chance to fight Floyd? Not one of them has accomplished as much as I have.” (Boxing Scene)
“We are approaching this challenge like ‘Hey, let’s make it happen. I know he set that date. Cinco de Mayo. I am Mexican American right here. Let’s do it.” (The Sweet Science)
“Mayweather is the guy I want. Like I said, I want to fight the best… I’d love to fight him.” (The Sweet Science)
“I know he is paying attention. Floyd Mayweather would not be pound-for-pound best fighter in the world, if he wasn’t paying attention. Even when he retired, he was paying attention. I’m expecting him to take on the challenge.” (The Sweet Science)
December 1, 2011
“The fact is I’ve always faced the biggest challenges in and out of the ring head on. I’ve always said to be the best you have to fight the best and right now Floyd Mayweather is considered the best fighter in the world. I’m here to say I’m the best fighter in the world. There’s only one way to find out…May 5th let’s do it.” (Boxing Scene)
December 6, 2011
“I’m a five-time world champion in three different weight divisions. I’m a 5’9″ lefty and everyone says he has trouble with lefties. This is his chance to show the world. I’ve won world titles, defending them a number of times. He isn’t getting a guy that’s only had one world title fight. He’d have an experienced fighter in front of him and also a big fighter… Everything is setup right there to make a big fight…When it comes down to it, I take care of business. If it comes down to having to go to Floyd’s gym, that’s what I’ll do.” (Fight Hype)
December 15, 2011
“I haven’t fought in awhile, but it hasn’t been that long. I will get the best sparring partners in the world and will be sharper than I’ve ever been. Like I said, I respect Floyd a lot and will make sure I am on top of my game. I feel like some of these things can help me get the fight. You know how Floyd likes to hand pick his opponents…Maybe this will make me look more attractive to him.” (Fight Saga)
“Floyd needs a dancing partner on Cinco de Mayo and I’m willing to step up and face the biggest challenge out there. I know I can beat him. It’s up to Floyd to take the fight.” (Fight Hype)
“Well for one, like I said, I wanna fight the best fighters out there. Everyone says I am 135, that I have no experience at 140 or 147. Size is not the issue. I am a physically bigger guy. I have been around Floyd, I have seen Floyd in person. I have been on undercards that Floyd was fighting on. I am a bigger guy than Floyd. At the end of the day words are not going to get the job done.” (Examiner)
January 4, 2012
“Yes, I’ve been seeking a fight with Floyd since his date on May 5th was announced. I’m here to fight the best fighters in the world.” (Doghouse Boxing)
January 9, 2012
“I’m going to shock the world and beat Floyd Mayweather.” (LA Times)
“No matter who it is, a fight with Floyd Mayweather would be the biggest fight of anybody’s career. This is where you start setting your legacy as one of the greatest in boxing.” (Daily News)
