Robert Diaz, Golden Boy Promotions matchmaker, is reporting Floyd Mayweather’s May 4 return to the ring will be in a bout against Robert Guerrero. The news broke on Feb. 15 thanks to Chris Williams of BoxingNews24.com.
On fight night it will have been one year since "Money" stepped in the squared circle, leaving many to wonder if the aging champion is ready for another dive into the breach.
Mayweather, 35, will change things up in his preparation. He has opted to have his father in the corner as his main trainer leading up to his May 4 return, according to ESPN’s Dan Rafael.
His relationship with his father—who trained him as a child—has been rocky at best over the years. Mayweather Sr. has spent time incarcerated, and Mayweather's brother has carried the duties of lead trainer for much of his absence. Mayweather himself just finished serving a stint behind bars.
Changes are good, but a series of changes like Mayweather is undergoing may not be conducive to continued success in the ring.
Let’s take a look at if he has anything to worry about in the ring against Guerrero, his presumed opponent.
Tale of the Tape (via BoxRec.com)
Name: Robert Guerrero
Age: 29 (Will turn 30 before fight day)
Record: 31-1-1 (18 KOs)
Height: 5'8"
Reach: 70"
Stance: Southpaw
Nickname: The Ghost
Birth Place: Gilroy, Calif.
Strengths
Guerrero is a volume striker that throws, but doesn’t necessarily land, a lot of punches. That will be a good thing against Mayweather—Guerrero will need to be active with his hands by throwing a lot of shots Mayweather's way in order to penetrate his impressive and technically-sound defense.
Quickness is the key for "The Ghost". The speed of his punches mostly makes up for anything he is lacking in the power department—he can catch opponents with a series of punches that will have the same desired effect of a power punch.
Weaknesses
Punching power is a problem for Guerrero and will plague him in a fight against Mayweather. "Money" wins his fights, for the most part, by playing great defense and countering opponents to death.
Outlook
Mayweather may be surprised by southpaws from time to time, but Guerrero doesn’t seem to have an explosive burst that could put him on the mat. If the fight goes the distance, and it likely will, it will take an extremely impressive showing from Guerrero, and a letdown from Mayweather, for the upset to occur.
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