Robert Guerrero went through a rough stretch just a few short years ago. For a year and a half, the former welterweight champ was unable to pick up a win, leading to three consecutive defeats, including a third-round stoppage at the hands of Omar Figueroa Jr.
In Guerrero’s mind, his gas tank was completely empty. However, while he would go on to transiently retire, he’s bounced back nicely since then. With five wins under his belt, mostly against faded former champions, Guerrero is hoping that he’s done enough to earn a shot against one of the division’s top dogs.
Andre Berto chirped perpetually in the direction of Guerrero. Having lost to the former titlist nearly a decade ago, Guerrero made it two in a row this past weekend at The Armory in Minnesota. Now, with their chapter officially closed, Jaron Ennis is next up on Guerrero’s hit list.
The Philadelphia star seldom finds his name on the lips of anyone. For the 26-year-old, he’s sliced and diced his competition, something Guerrero has taken notice of. All in all, the 40-year-old acknowledged that Ennis is one of the best fighters in the world. Ultimately, however, Guerrero refuses to eschew the current IBF 147-pound belt holder.
“Bring him on down man,” said Guerrero during an interview with BoxingScene.com. “He’s a sharp fighter, very slick, smooth. He’s an incredible fighter but Guerrero never shies away from any fight.”
The 2023 schedule hasn’t been the most active for Ennis, but he made the most of his two appearances. After winning every second of every round against Karen Chukhadzhian, Roiman Villa was willingly placed into the lion’s den. The hard-hitting Venezuelan normally uses nonstop pressure to break the wills of his opponents but against Ennis, he was helpless.
The smooth-switcher, with a welterweight title now in his possession, has been ballyhooed by aficionados and fans since coming onto the scene. His talent, according to Guerrero, is unique. He’s also deserving of the superlatives that’ve been used to describe him. But, as Guerrero attempts to dissect his overall game, he notices that there are no flaws. So how exactly does the longtime veteran plan on knocking Ennis off his high horse? He believes his mind, not so much his physical, will be his number one weapon.
“It has to do with experience. I know he’s never been pressed hard. It’s an incredible fight.”