Guerrero makes big career move with victory over Katsidis

When the final bell rang, an ecstatic Robert Guerrero leaped onto the ropes and threw his hands in the air, fully aware what he just accomplished.

“The Ghost” dominated Michael Katsidis to win a one-sided, unanimous decision in a 12-round lightweight bout Saturday on the Marcos Maidana-Erik Morales card Saturday in Las Vegas and likely earned himself a big-money fight in the process.

One important observer was duly impressed – his promoter, Oscar De La Hoya.

“Tonight was his coming out party,” De La Hoya said. “Tonight he showed the public what he is all about.”

Guerrero (29-1-1, 18 knockouts) left no doubt that he can compete with any 135-pounder but might also move up to the talent-rich 140-pound division, which probably would be more lucrative.

 “I want (Juan Manuel) Marquez, Zab (Judah), Mayweather or the winner from tonight (Marcos Maidana),” Guerrero said at the post-fight news conference.

Said Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer: “He put everyone at 140 and 147 on notice.”

Guerrero probably had the best camp of his career prior to the fight.

His mind was finally clear after his wife’s prolonged battle with cancer, which is now under control. And, comfortable leaving his home in Gilroy, Calif., he trained in Las Vegas.

He plans to return before his next fight.

 “I had a great camp here in Las Vegas,” he said. “You see the difference. You haven’t seen the best of Robert Guerrero yet. I was eating right, training right and getting rest.”

Haven't seen the best of Roert Guerrero?

If that’s the case, then the best fighters between 135 and 147 had better watch out.

“I give myself a 'C',” he said. “There were a lot of things I wanted to do, and there were things my father wanted me to do, that I didn’t accomplish tonight.

What he did accomplish is elevate himself to the cusp of stardom.