By Dereck Bilton There is no debating the fact that Robert Guerrero is among the more gifted, and certainly more under-rated, fighters currently plying their trade today. 'The Ghost' is 29-1 (18) and has claimed major belts at feather, super-feather and lightweight in a career that began back in 2001. However later tonight he takes a real gamble as he goes in with unbeaten Turk Selcuk Aydin for the interim WBC light-welterweight title. It's a gamble for several reasons. Firstly, Guerrero has not boxed for over 12 months. He's also making his debut at 147 and he's fighting a genuine banger in Aydin, who is raw but heavy-handed and unbeaten himself in 23 fights (17 early). Guerrero was set to box Argentine rough-house Marcos Maidana in August for the WBA light-welterweight title. However, he was forced to duck out of that one after suffering a torn tendon in his rotator cuff. He's also spent time out of the game caring for his wife (who has been battling leukaemia) so there are question marks surrounding him both physically and mentally. Furthermore, Aydin is a former European amateur champion and is known as 'Mini Tyson' for his ability to get the job done, often very quickly. I doubt he'll ever earn the money or the notoriety of 'Iron Mike' but if he keeps winning and doing so by stoppage in exciting fights he'll not be short of a few bob either. In truth this is a step up in class for Aydin, who is boxing in Guerrero Country (California). He's made all the right noises ahead of this one however and at 28 he could be the right man in the right place at the right time. Guerrero is a 1/4 shot in the betting and had he remained active and had no doubts about his fitness then that price would be about right. Remember, just last year he was being considered as a possible opponent for 'pound-for-pound' star Floyd Mayweather. However the Californian (of Mexican heritage) has endured a tough old time of it of late and Aydin looks a spot of value to me given the imponderables surrounding 'The Ghost'. http://www.boxing scene.com/robert-guerrero-matched-tough-147-against-aydin--55455 'Mini Tyson' I have only seen one Aydin fight... actually made me think more "mini Arthur Abraham" because he seemed to be quite explosive in bursts, but hey, that is still pretty good.
Aydin is heavy handed and Casamayor put "The Ghost" down so its likely that Aydin can shake Guerrero up, however skillwise there seems a big gap for me on what I have seen. Guerrero has/had some excellent skills and he hits a bit harder than most give him credit for, i know he is going up a couple of weight divisions but he was a huge super-feather and he handled lightweights with ease for me. Its a hard fight to be totally confident about, however I will be disappointed if Guerrero does not do a bit of a number on Aydin, although as stated above I am not writing off the punchers chance for the visitor.
I've seen a little but of Aydin and i see this as another showcase for Guerrero while he keeps talking himself up for big money fights. There is a vulnerable side to Guerrero, Aydin is a bullish fighter who will have to aim to break the body of Guerrero who was hurt to body against Katsidis IIRC. But i expect Guerrero to control the fight from long range (5inch reach tonight i believe), using lateral movement and at times pressing Aydin behind his pawing jab. I don't see Aydin having the versatility or the attributes to box with him, It's basically got to be balls to the wall, kitchen sink. High intensity fight with him trying to get up in Guerrero's grill. I expect Guerrero to win the rounds handsomely and Aydin to be brave and bold but become a frustrated figure. I can see him being floored with a sharp counter in mid to late stages. Whether Guerrero looks to add some gloss and go for KO is up to him but i'd go with Guerrero to win wide on the cards.
If you having a bet it has to be for Mini Tyson to win by KO, that is where the value will be be. RG most likely wins a wide Ud but ring rust or the surprise quality of Aydin might give us an upset.