GUERRERO, in Spanish, means ‘warrior’.
Robert Guerrero, who will challenge Floyd “The Money” Mayweather Jr. at the MGM Grand today for the WBC welterweight title, is confident that he will live up to his name.
Guerrero believes he will be the first man to beat the undefeated Mayweather, who has not seen action in a year after serving a jail term for beating up his wife.
He said during a recent press conference that there has to be a first time, and he’s the one who will pin on the cocky Floyd Jr. his first loss.
In contrast, Floyd Jr. looks at Guerrero as just another opponent. No big deal, he said, although he included in their fight contract a rematch clause in the unlikely event that he loses?
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Is there really a big possibility for The Money to absorb his first defeat today?
Here’s what our favorite boxing experts have to say:
Lawyer Ed Tolentino: “Guerrero, also called ‘The Ghost,’ has a solid left straight that can give a foe that out-of-body experience. But he tends to bully and hold inside to create that opening for his left instead of working on combinations.
“Mayweather is too slick to just stay in front and allow Guerrero to grapple him. He will back up Guerrero with his jab and confuse him with slick movements.
“Floyd’s ring savvy is just too much. Barring a lucky punch, he will cruise to a decision.”
Abac Cordero, Philippine Star: “To win, Guerrero needs a lucky punch. He can’t beat Mayweather in a boxing match. He must throw everything he has and hopes that he gets lucky.”
Nick Giongco, Manila Bulletin: “Guerrero has a chance, of course. But Mayweather is simply too classy, although inactivity might play a significant factor. It’s been a year since Mayweather last fought
“One thing going for Guerrero, he is on a roll lately. But he has to be ultra aggressive versus Mayweather because that’s his only chance to win.”
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World boxing icon Manny Pacquiao was supposed to make an appearance at the PBA All-Star weekend being staged in Digos, Davao del Sur.
He had even called Davao del Sur Gov. Douglas Cagas to confirm that he was going to play in the basketball game featuring the PBA Stalwarts versus the PBA Greats.
Manny never showed up. Perhaps he changed his mind when he found out the lineup of the PBA legends and still active PBA stars who were to see action in the exhibition match.