Well-rested Guerrero gets shot at Las Vegas redemption

Robert Guerrero’s last fight in Las Vegas wasn’t one he will remember fondly.

It was in May 2013, and Guerrero was taken to school by Floyd Mayweather Jr. at the MGM Grand Garden, losing a 12-round unanimous decision in his quest to dethrone Mayweather and win his World Boxing Council welterweight title.

Guerrero gets a chance for redemption March 7 when he faces Keith Thurman, the World Boxing Association interim welterweight champion, at the Grand Garden in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions, the inaugural boxing venture between NBC and Al Haymon.

“It’s going to be great for my career,” said the 31-year-old from Gilroy, Calif. “This opportunity is amazing — not just for myself but for all of boxing. We have a chance to really grow the sport.”

Guerrero (32-2-1, 18 knockouts) has fought once since the Mayweather loss, winning a unanimous decision over Yoshihiro Kamegai of Japan on June 21 in Carson, Calif. The fight was one of the better ones of 2014, but it took a toll on Guerrero. So having almost nine months between fights probably will benefit him.

“It was such a back-and-forth battle,” Guerrero said. “He was such a tough guy. But I wanted to give the fans what they love — a fight that keeps you on the edge of your seat.”

Thurman (24-0, 21 KOs) wasn’t impressive in beating 40-year-old Leonard Bundu of Italy on Dec. 13 at the Grand Garden. Guerrero said the 26-year-old from Clearwater, Fla., is hardly invincible.

“One thing I notice about Keith Thurman is every guy he’s fought has no footwork,” Guerrero said. “They’re slow as turtles. Now he’s going to face a guy who can move and not let him dictate the fight.”

For Guerrero, the chance to be on NBC is enticing. His life story and that of his wife, Casey, who beat cancer a couple of years ago, will make for compelling viewing for those not familiar with him.

“When people hear the stories of the fighters, they’re going to be amazed,” he said. “A stay-at-home mom in Utah who never watches boxing is going to tune in, hear my life story and become a fan.”

■ ORTIZ SUSPENDED — Cuban heavyweight Luis Ortiz, who tested positive for a banned substance after winning the WBA interim heavyweight title Sept. 11, had his hearing Monday before the Nevada Athletic Commission after several delays.

Ortiz had stopped Lateef Kayode in the first round at the Hard Rock Hotel, then tested positive for Nandrolone, a banned anabolic steroid. He said the drug entered his system after he ingested contaminated food, but the commission still found him guilty.

He was suspended for eight months retroactive to September, fined 10 percent of his $80,000 purse and charged $450 for the cost of additional tests he requested. His win was changed to a no contest, and he must perform 15 hours of community service and submit to random drug testing this year.

■ REMEMBERING TOBY — Las Vegas’ Toby Murray, who had served as a timekeeper for the commission from 2007 to 2014, died Dec. 22 from heart failure. She was 74.

Murray had spent many years working various jobs in amateur boxing before the commission hired her. She was honored with the traditional 10-count tolling of the bell at a Jan. 10 card at Texas Station.

“Toby’s contribution to boxing, both professional and amateur, was second to none,” NAC executive director Bob Bennett said. “She was a very pleasant and courteous person who always had a kind word and a hug for you. We’ll miss her.”

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter: @stevecarprj.