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By Kirk Jackson
Boxing Insider: Hope all is well for you and you’re family and that things are going well in training camp.
Have you and Andre Berto been in talks for awhile about this fight? Can you talk about how this fight came into fruition?
Robert Guererro: I’m not sure when the fight was offered to my management team but when they told me about it I told them yes right away, let’s do it.
How long have you been training for this fight and were you training long before this fight against Andre Berto was announced?
I’m always training so when this fight was announced it was perfect timing because I was already back in the gym.
When do you usually end training camp?
About a week before the fight.
What do you feel like are your strengths and advantages heading into this fight?
I feel I’m the better fighter in all aspects. Some people might say he has faster hands and more power but I feel I’m right there with him in those areas.
Have you undergone any specific kind of training for this fight to prepare for the size and or speed of Berto?
No, everything is pretty much the same. I’ve made a few adjustments to my diet though and I moved training camp to Las Vegas.
Do you see any flaws in Andre Berto as a fighter and how do you think you will be able to capitalize on those flaws?
Yes, Berto does have some flaws and we have a nice game plan to exploit them. We’ve been watching a lot of film on him and we definitely see some things we can capitalize on.
What is it about Andre Berto that makes him a dangerous opponent?
Berto has tremendous hand speed and he’s an explosive puncher which makes him a dangerous fighter for anyone. This will be an incredible match up because he’s back in the spotlight after a long layoff which also makes him a dangerous fighter because he’s hungry. But I’m starving and I’m looking to advance my career to the next level.
What are some of the things specifically you have to do in order to beat Andre Berto?
I keep that information in-house as I don’t want to give up my game plan.
Andre Berto is coming off the whole steroid controversy that occurred not too long ago leading up to his rematch with Victor Ortiz. Does possibility of an athlete may not be fighting against you on equal terms cross your mind leading up to a fight?
No I’m not concerned at all. We are both taking strict drug testing so everything will be on the up and up.
Will there be any kind of performance enhancing drug testing for this fight?
Yes we will both be using USADA testing and the California Commission is going to step up their game as well.
Do you think Berto will come into this fight with desperation and with something to prove because he has been out of the big picture for awhile and because his lost his last major high profile fight?
There’s no doubt Berto has something to prove because he’s been out of the mix for a while. I’m expecting him to be at his best when we step in the ring. It’s a big fight for both of us and I’m ready to go.
Some may see this as a showcase fight to lure in Floyd Mayweather, or another big name in the welterweight division. What is your mentality heading into this fight?
My mentality is to go in there and win this fight. The future is bright for the winner but I’m not looking past Berto, he’s all that’s on my mind.
Victor Ortiz faced and actually upset Berto and ended up getting a fight with Floyd Mayweather. Do you think a dominant performance, along with pressure from fans and the media can force an eventual fight with Floyd Mayweather?
Only God knows what will transpire with a win against Berto. The new stars in boxing are starting to emerge and if Mayweather is still around then we’ll see if he fights again. I’m here to challenge anyone.
If you cannot secure a fight with Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao or Timothy Bradley, have you thought about campaigning at 140 fighting against the likes of a guy like Daniel Garcia?
Right now I’m fighting at welterweight. If a big fight presents itself then I’ll entertain the thought of moving down to 140, but right not my mind is focused on beating Berto at welterweight.
Would you have any difficulty making 140 if the opportunity to face Garcia became available?
It would be a challenge to get there but with the right diet I can get it done if need be.
Do you spot any weaknesses that you can capitalize on if that fight came into fruition?
Everyone has weaknesses. Like I said my main focus is on Berto, no one else.
What are your thoughts about the passing of Boxing Legend Emanuel Steward?
Emanuel Steward was a great person that will be missed by everyone in and out of the ring. I’m dedicating this fight to him because he was the best trainer in boxing and he always believed in my abilities. It really hit home when I found out he passed from cancer as I’m always going to be an ambassador to find a cure. My wife is a cancer survivor and I know how difficult it is to be dealing with the disease.
Do you have anything you want to say to your fans and followers of the boxing?
I want everyone to know that I’m hungry to be the best and Berto stands in my way. It’s going to be a great fight and everyone should be tuning into HBO on November 24th. Follow me on twitter @ghostboxing and facebook /ghostfans. I want to thank everyone for their support. God bless.
Thanks for your time and good luck in training camp and on November 24th.
