Robert Guerrero is one of boxing's good guys. "The Ghost" has tried to be the opposite of his moniker in the ring in his 10-plus years as a pro, but every time a big opportunity seems to come up for him, fate rears its ugly head. The former featherweight, super featherweight, and current lightweight champion of the world has done his best to stay as active as possible, but it certainly has not been easy. Truth be told, it is amazing to think Guerrero has kept his mind focused after everything he has been through.
In 2007, Guerrero was scheduled to defend his featherweight title against Martin Honorio when he received some of the worst news any family man can get. His wife, Casey, was diagnosed with leukemia. Guerrero decided to take the fight anyway, and knocked Honorio out in the first round.
Casey's cancer went into remission for a short while, but came back early in 2010, about 7 weeks before Guerrero was scheduled to fight Michael Katsidis for a lightweight title. This time, it was much more serious. Casey needed a bone marrow transplant, which left the family, and Casey's life, in limbo. Robert tried to persuade his team to let him fight, but they stepped in and said it's time for family. Guerrero stepped aside to be with Casey, the transplant was successful, and Robert eventually fought his way back to another shot with Katsidis. Guerrero won a lopsided unanimous decision to claim a title in his third weight division. With things looking on the up-and-up for Casey, the Gilroy, California native's career finally seemed to be on track.
Guerrero decided to move up to junior welterweight hoping to make a splash in one of boxing's toughest divisions. He went right after one of the big names for his first fight, Argentine knockout artist Marcos Maidana. Guerrero wanted to prove he could hang with the best at 140 pounds. Everything seemed to be in line. A main event fight against a big-name opponent on HBO in his home state of California. It all seemed too perfect. Apparently, fate seemed to agree. With the Maidana fight just nine days away, news broke Thursday that Guerrero seriously injured his shoulder in one of his final sparring sessions during his training camp in Big Bear, California. Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer stated Guerrero may be out for awhile and the fight card is cancelled.
Unfortunately for the 28-year-old Guerrero, this means yet another roadblock in his pursuit of greatness. He has been dealt blows to his future before and has overcome potential tragedy in his personal life. Those who doubt Guerrero will ever make it to the top, just be forewarned. A man on a mission is one to be reckoned with. And if recent history is any indication, don't bet against Robert Guerrero.
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