In May, Guerrero (31-2-1, 18 knockouts) also suffered a unanimous decision loss to Mayweather (45-0, 26 KOs), THE RING’s No. 1-rated pound-for-pound fighter who earned his ninth belt against Alvarez (42-1-1, 30 KOs) in defense of his own WBA 154-pound title.

Against Guerrero, 30, Mayweather, 36, defended his WBC welterweight belt and became THE RING’s 147-pound champion, ending the loser’s streak of 15 consecutive victories. 

What were your impressions of the fight, generally?

Robert Guerrero: The fight itself was an incredible event for the fans. I thought Canelo did his best to figure out Floyd, but it’s easier said than done. 

Canelo is a very good fighter and he’ll learn from the experience. Floyd made the proper adjustments and that was the key to him winning the fight.

Did Mayweather punch him more flush than he was able to punch you?

RG: You guys saw the fight so I’ll leave you make that call. All I know is that Floyd fought Canelo different than he fought me.

Were you surprised at how much more Mayweather stood his ground against Alvarez?

RG: It was very surprising to see Floyd fight in the pocket against Canelo. I thought for sure Mayweather was going to move around the ring since Canelo weighed in close to super middleweight on fight night.

He must have seen something in Canelo that made him stand his ground more. I really believe if Floyd would have fought me that way, it would have been a different fight. 

I think Floyd felt the sting on my punches, and after watching videos, he realized he couldn’t beat me on the inside.

That’s why he moved around the ring for most of the fight. He’s a smart fighter. I definitely garnered valuable experience from the fight.

Could you move up to face Alvarez and handle the weight?

RG: I know a fight with Canelo and I would be very exciting for the fans. Everyone knows we like to mix it up, so the fight would have a lot of action.

Fighting at 154 would not be a problem. I’ve always said I have the body frame to fight at junior middleweight. That fight has fireworks written all over it. I’m all for it.

What fight would you want next?

RG: I’m ready to fight anyone. That’s how it’s been my whole career. My team picks ’em, and I fight them. It’s been a tough road to make it where I’m at.

Now, it’s time to fight the biggest names out there to show the world I’m still one of the top guys in boxing. I love to fight. It’s what I do. All I think about is getting in the ring and exchanging blows for the fans to see excitement. I like to go to war.

Photo by Naoki Fukuda

Lem Satterfield can be reached at [email protected]