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Robert 'The Ghost' Guerrero
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Throughout the history of sports there has been a select group of athletes that have stepped out of the crowd and used their platform to profess their faith and beliefs. Some have chosen to take the responsibility of being the best role model they can be. Whether for fad or just their way of life, their way of living has been on display for all the world to see. One such athlete is featherweight prospect Robert ‘The Ghost’ Guerrero. He uses his boxing platform to tell the world about his faith in Christ. He strives hard to be a role model for the young fans. At the young age of 21 he knows the temptations that a young adult can be faced with. He says his faith in God helps him through troubled times and keeps him on the right path. Robert has captured the boxing world’s attention with his recent TKO victory over veteran fighter Enrique Sanchez. But Robert feels like all the publicity he is getting can be put to good use. ‘The Ghost’ dropped by the Doghouse to talk about his boxing career and his role as being a mentor to the fans.
Benny Henderson Jr.: Well, what have you been up to with your time off?
Robert Guerrero: I have been making appearances at local fights and spending time with the fans around Northern California. Mostly enjoying the time off and being with family.
BH: You've been getting a lot of attention from the media here lately. How does it feel to be the HOT TOPIC in Boxing?
RG: It feels good, I know that I'm getting somewhere in the sport. It feels even better to know that I have a lot of fans out there supporting me and writers writing about me. And it's a blessing to have as many fights as I do and to be known to the boxing community.
BH: How important is it for you to be a good role model?
RG: Very important, because a lot of role models out there get big headed and don't spend time with the fans or do anything with the people. I go to the ministries and talk to people. It is a big calling for me from God, it's what he put me here to do. To box and spread the word of the Lord. I really enjoy it.
BH: You are very open with your faith and beliefs in Christ. But with your rise in popularity and your young age there has to be temptations. How do you tackle those situations?
RG: The best way to face temptation is just pray to Jesus and have him guide you through life. Stay mentally strong, stay humble and grounded. With all of those things it will work out.
BH: Do you feel it is your responsibility to use your platform to spread the word of God?
RG: Oh yes. When you have been blessed with something you gotta use it. God blessed you with that certain situation, so the best thing to do is to use it to spread the word of God to others with it.
BH: You had a great win over Sanchez. How important was it for you to show the boxing world that you are ready for bigger opposition?
RG: It was a very important win for me. It just elevated my career to beat somebody like Sanchez. Especially with him being a southpaw. His only two losses was to two world champions coming into our fight so he has the experience. I had a chance to display my skill and to show what I can do in the boxing world.
BH: Your best victory to date?
RG: The last fight with Sanchez was my best victory. The fact that I have never been passed six rounds and I got the extra rounds in. I needed something like that. Sanchez is a tough fighter and he came to fight and to push me to the distance. That is the kind of fights a young fighter needs to help elevate their game.
BH: How has your faith in God helped you in and out of the ring?
RG: It has helped me out a lot, I mean you can just see it. I'm 21 years old and it has kept me grounded. Most people my age go and do things that can get them into trouble. But me being with the Lord has kept me grounded and out of that stuff. It gives me more time to focus on my career and to run that train straight. I feel good about being a believer in Christ. Because I know what I am doing is the right thing to do.
BH: What do you hope to accomplish in the next two years?
RG: I want to win a world title, and be one of the top fighters in the sport. Go up in weight and win the title there. And keep spreading the word of Lord through all of that.
BH: Any news on your next fight?
RG: No not yet, but I'll keep you informed.
BH: How does it feel to work with Hall of Famer cutman Chuck Bodak?
RG: It's great to work with Chuck, he's a great man with a very good sense of humor. He is always on top of his game. He knows his business so you know you don't have any worries with working with him. He's been in the ring longer than I have been around, so I feel very comfortable working with him.
BH: What would your career have been beside boxing?
RG: Probably football. I played high school football. My dad said I could choose only one. He said that I could end of breaking an arm or leg and I wouldn't have a career in boxing. So I chose boxing.
BH: Good choice huh?
RG: [Both of us laughing] Yeah, it was a good choice.
BH: What are your hobbies outside of the ring?
RG: I like fixing up cars, talking to a lot of different kids that have been in trouble. I tell them my story. Introduce them to God and spread the word to them. I just plant the seed. I spend a lot of time with my family.
BH: If you had your choice, who would you fight next?
RG: Either Barrera or Marquez.
BH: You are going for the big ones aren't you?
RG: To be the best you got to fight the best.
BH: Your call on the Tito and Mayorga fight?
RG: Man, I don't know that is a hard one to call. [Laughing] I think whoever lands the good shot first wins. I mean Trinidad can nail you with either hand. But Mayorga just swings from the mountains, you don't know where those punches are coming from. Too hard to call really.
BH: Anything you would like to say in closing?
RG: I just want to thank all of the fans for supporting me, and God Bless everybody.
I would like to thank Mario for bringing this interview together. I would personally like to thank Robert for taking the time out for the fans and this interview. For more information on ‘The Ghost’ checkout his website Robert ‘The Ghost’ Guerrero Official Website.
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© Copyright / All Rights reserved: Doghouse Boxing 1998-2004
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By Benny Henderson Jr. (July 6, 2004) 
