At 17 years old, Robert Guerrero Jr. is already forging his own path in boxing under the guidance of his father, former two-division titleholder Robert Guerrero, and his grandfather, Ruben “Mad Dog” Guerrero.
Guerrero Jr. (3-0, 1 KO) carries the weight of a famous name. In his most recent fight, on Aug. 24 in San Antonio, he earned a four-round unanimous decision over Jesus Cortinas, with his father being prominently mentioned during the announcements.
“In my last fight, they announced who my dad was – a live special guest, Robert Guerrero, and his son, Robert Jr., fighting,” the younger Guerrero said. “It’s cool because we get that publicity, but my opponents want to prove something. If they beat me, they beat Robert Guerrero’s son.
“I’m trying to make my own name, win my own world titles, and be known as one of the greats.”
While his name brings attention, Guerrero Jr. is aware that this also means greater scrutiny of his skills.
“It’s kind of hard because I got big shoes to fill behind my dad, but it’s also cool,” he said. “It’s good because I have my father and grandpa to help build me up. So it’s like a boost, but I’m still kind of in the shadow.”
Looking ahead, Guerrero Jr. and his father have discussed the possibility of sharing the ring one day. In his most recent bout, Guerrero Sr., 41, beat Andre Berto last December, though he hasn’t fought regularly since the mid-2010s. Similar to LeBron James holding out to play with his son Bronny in the NBA, the Guerreros have talked about appearing on the same card together.
“My dad said he’s waiting for me to turn 18, and if we could make that happen, he’d retire,” Guerrero Jr. said. “He wants to fight in the main event, with me on the undercard. That’s his dream.”
For now, the two train together in the gym. When it comes to training with family, the younger Guerrero says they leave personal relationships outside the gym.
“It’s like a switch flips,” Guerrero Jr. said. “Once we’re in the gym, everything else is forgotten, and it’s just straight boxing. None of the family stuff goes into it.”
Currently a high school senior, Guerrero Jr. has fought three professional bouts, all outside his home state of California – two in Mexico and one in Texas. State regulations prevent him from competing in California until he turns 18, a milestone he eagerly anticipates.
“I plan on fighting in all the states,” Guerrero Jr. said. “Once I fight in California, I’ll have a lot of close family and friends supporting me.”
Lucas Ketelle is a proud member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and author of “Inside The Ropes of Boxing” (available on Amazon). Contact him on X @LukieBoxing.
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