Masterful Mayweather too classy for Guerrero

LAS VEGAS. Floyd Mayweather Jr made a successful return to the ring in Las Vegas, outclassing Robert Guerrero to retain the WBC welterweight title by unanimous decision on Saturday night.

Monday, May 06, 2013
Mayweather produces a masterclass against Guerrero to cruise to punch-perfect victory. Net photo

LAS VEGAS. Floyd Mayweather Jr made a successful return to the ring in Las Vegas, outclassing Robert Guerrero to retain the WBC welterweight title by unanimous decision on Saturday night.All three ringside judges scored the bout at 117-111 to the world’s top pound-for-pound boxer, competing in his first fight since he outpointed Miguel Cotto exactly a year ago before serving time in jail last summer.Though ‘The Ghost’ brought the uncompromising high-pressure attack he has become known for, Mayweather’s own trademark defence was just too quick and too elusive for the most part, with the champion’s stinging counter-right catching Guerrero time and time again throughout the contest.There were occasional boos from the crowd at the MGM Grand Garden Arena due to the numerous periods of relative inaction, but for the 44th consecutive outing the ‘Mayweather code’ remains uncrackable.After the bout, Mayweather defended the presence of his father, Floyd Senior, throughout the fight camp despite his constant bickering with Guerrero’s father Ruben."I needed my father for this fight because Guerrero is tough, a true warrior,” Mayweather said."I am 36 and after the Cotto fight I wasn’t sure if my defence was sharp enough but it was, even with the sore hand. Guerrero was pressing with his attack but him pushing me to perform was what I needed.”The disappointed but classy Guerrero commended the victor, saying: "Floyd was barely slipping by my punches but his defence is real good, everything happens for a reason and I will keep fighting and put myself back in a good position. Maybe I can get a shot at Floyd again before he retires.”