Keith Thurman vs. Robert Guerrero
Lou Catalano, Senior Writer
Keith Thurman has been calling out Robert Guerrero for awhile now, but he had better things to do, like lose every second of every round to Floyd Mayweather.
He then went to war with Yoshihiro Kamegai, taking a lot of shots but clearly winning a fun fight. Thurman has been waiting for this chance his entire career, and now he’s on the big stage. He looked less-than-stellar in his last performance, even though he shut out 87-year-old Leonard Bundu.
Something wasn’t right with “One Time” that evening, and maybe it was just an off night. But I’m thinking he’s going to have trouble with Guerrero’s southpaw stance and movement, at least for awhile.
While he can punch like a mule, he’s never been in with a guy this good. I like Guerrero to take an early lead, but gradually break down as the much harder punching Thurman pounds on him. Guerrero just gets hit too often lately. Thurman by unanimous decision.
Prediction: Thurman
Tony Calcara, Staff Writer
This is a very interesting matchup. At 26, Keith Thurman is undefeated and has many pundits and fans talking about him as the heir apparent of the Welterweight division. He is coming off a less-than-spectacular 12-round decision over Leonard Bundu in December.
A big win against Guerrero thrusts his name into the conversation with the elite power brokers at Welterweight.
Guerrero, 31, has faced his share of adversity both in and out of the ring. His southpaw style may give Thurman an uncomfortable look, however, he has fought only once in the last 22 months where Thurman has been the more active fighter.
Thurman has the speed and power to deal with the tough and rugged Guerrero. I expect Guerrero to fight well, just not well enough. I like Thurman to win.
Prediction: Thurman
Brandon Glass, Contributing Writer
Keith Thurman says he’s a star and this is the opportunity to take a big step closer to that goal. Robert Guerrero is a tough guy who’s not great at any particular thing.
He has tons of experience and is crafty, but I think Thurman possesses more ability all around. If Guerrero can stay close to Thurman and smother his offense, he has a shot. I just don’t think Guerrero will create it.
Thurman will use his movement, power and speed to frustrate Guerrero, but Guerrero’s chin keeps him upright to lose by decision.
Prediction: Thurman
Zuri Lopez, Contributing Writer
Keith Thurman vs. Robert Guerrero is a fight I’ve been excited about for some time now. Both fighters come to fight and always give boxing fans a good show.
I do see Thurman having more stamina and condition than Guerrero. Thurman will go to Guerrero’s body and unleash his attack on him, Guerrero will also give Thurman some of his own treatment.
Although, I see Thurman winning this fight in untimely fashion.
Prediction: Thurman
Alex McLeish, Staff Writer
On paper, Robert Guerrero is Keith Thurman’s toughest opponent to date, but stylistically, Thurman has the potential to win this fight easily.
Thurman is coming off one of the most grinding victories of his career, even though he routed Leonard Bundu by points on the judge’s scorecards back in December, the awkward Italian made things uncomfortable for Thurman by being in survival mode for most of the fight. All in all, it was a very educational night for the potential Welterweight star.
Guerrero is riding a streak of inactive years, only fighting once in 2013 against Floyd Mayweather Jr., and once in 2014 in a grueling war with Japan’s Yoshihiro Kamegai. Guerrero is now 31 and looking for the type of win that gets him yet another big money title shot.
Unfortunately for Guerrero, he’s starting to resemble a sitting duck, a grinding brawler being set up to be out-punched by the younger, more talented and heavier hitting Thurman.
It’s very possible Guerrero’s toughness gets him to the final bell, but sometimes it’s a fighter’s toughness that puts him directly in the line of fire.
Prediction: Thurman
Juan Carlos Galvez, Photographer
Robert Guerrero by decision.
Prediction: Guerrero
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
These are the types of matchups that have people saying–and meaning–“Thanks, Al Haymon.” Keith Thurman vs. Robert Guerrero gives us a great headlining bout on PBC‘s inaugural card on NBC and I expect to see some ups and downs for both men.
This is no gimme for Thurman, but it’s a fight that can catapult him into a household name. Can he drop a bomb on Guerrero and stop him? That’s what the whole “One Time” show is about, right?
While I don’t see Guerrero wilting under the pressure and getting knocked out, I do think Thurman will impress and box his way to victory.
Prediction: Thurman
