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Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero (20-2-1, 13 KOs) celebrated on Friday night by stopping Denmark native Spend Abazi in his own home country to capture the vacant IBF Featherweight Title
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"The Ghost" becomes two-time world champion
By Rachel Charles
February 23, 2007
LOS ANGELES, CA -– Just five days removed from experiencing the joy of the birth of his first son, Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero (20-2-1, 13 KOs) celebrated on Friday night by stopping Denmark native Spend Abazi in his own home country to capture the vacant IBF Featherweight Title he formerly held.
In regaining the title that he lost to Mexico's Orlando Salido (who was later stripped due to a positive steroid finding in the post-fight exam), Guerrero, rated #1 contender coming in, thoroughly dominated the #2 ranked Dane who was bloodied, battered and failed to answer the bell for the ninth round.
"The fight went real good," the pride of Gilroy, California, said via conference call from his dressing room immediately after the fight. "I totally dominated using my jab. There were some things I could have done better, but I got him out of there. Now that I'm two-time world champion, it feels good.
"He's a really tough guy," Guerrero, who sent Abazi (35-2, 10 KOs) to the canvas in the third and fifth rounds. "He can take a shot. I hit him with some deadly shots and he kept getting up. But in the eighth I finally got him out of there."
Rueben Guerrero (Robert's father) and Bob Santos, co-manager of Guerrero, made a seamless transition to trainer and cornerman, respectively, keeping 'The Ghost' focused on the game plan that was set while preparing in Los Angeles.
"Robert had dropped him a couple of times and we told him to pick up the pace," Santos revealed. "Obviously, he did pick up the pace and made Abazi quit on his stool.
Goossen Tutor's Craig Goossen, who made the trip to Denmark, described Guerrero's victory most succinctly: "Bigger man, stronger puncher, could not be hurt by Abazi."
"Going to Denmark was a decision based on getting the title immediately back and with the resounding KO victory, it puts Robert right back at the top," promoter Dan Goossen explained. "He's got the type of offense and power that will make him a fan and TV favorite for a long time.
"The 126 and 130 lb. divisions are really hot right now with Barrera, Pacquiao, Marquez, being the marquis names."
"Line 'em up," Guerrero insisted. "I'm right back in the mix." "Now that I have gotten my world title back I can start looking at some of those big fights."
Guerrero's co-manager Shelly Finkel on Guerrero's victory said, "It's great for all of us. He's only 23. There are a lot of great opponents. And if he keeps working and improving the way he did tonight there will be no stopping him."
Guerrero dedicated the victory to his wife, Casey, and newborn son, Robert, Jr, who tipped the scales at a healthy 7 lbs, 2 oz.
"Sounds like a middleweight," quipped Dan Goossen.
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