Robert
”
The Ghost
”
Guerrero isn’t breathing any easier now that he is focused on
fighting Martin Honorio.
Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero isn’t breathing any easier now that he is focused on fighting Martin Honorio.
The reason being that the air in Big Bear Lake, where the IBF Featherweight champion is completing his training for a Sept. 15 title defense, is thinner than anything the South Valley can offer.
“In Gilroy or Salinas, you can go 12 rounds like nothing,” Guerrero said by phone Wednesday night. “Here, by the sixth round it’s like you’re 12 rounds (deep) in Gilroy. It takes a lot more out of you.”
Adjusting to the altitude will help Guerrero (20-1-1, 13 KOs) prepare to go the distance if he has to, he said.
Leaving nothing to chance, the Gilroy fighter’s camp was moved to Big Bear on Monday to eliminate distractions going into the bout. The training grounds are owned by former champion “Sugar” Shane Mosley (44-4, 37 KOs) and used to be a pre-fight post for Sonny Liston.
Guerrero’s main focus these next few weeks will be sharpening his plan of attack. While he had a five to six-inch height advantage over his previously arranged opponent, Rocky Juarez, who replaced Jorge Barrios to fight Juan Marquez in the main event, Honorio presents a completely different challenge. Honorio (24-3-1, 12 KOs) is an inch taller than Guerrero and prefers to trade blows rather than box technically.
“He’s a tough fighter,” Guerrero said. “He’s one of those guys, if you’re not on your A-game he’ll pull an upset. He’s just (as) or more of a tougher fight than Juarez (would have been).”
The Ghost started sparring for the first time on Wednesday, going eight rounds against training partner Jose Celaya (29-3, 15 KOs). Celaya is a middleweight and offers the same dimensions in size that Honorio will present.
Guerrero said training is going well in all respects, but almost a little too well when it comes to making weight. While he must tip the scales at no more than 126 pounds the day before the fight, Guerrero is also trying to limit how quickly he sheds weight.
“I’m actually nine pounds out,” he said. “The weight is coming off actually a little too fast.”
While he continued to keep his pre-fight diet a secret, Guerrero did say the problem is easily solved.
“Just larger portions.”
