Former national amateur standout Guy Robb of Sacramento, California hopes to have the opportunity to showcase his boxing skills tonight at the Fairfield Sports Center in Fairfield, California. His ability to do such hinges on his overweight opponent not gaining any additional weight before a pre-fight weight check this morning. Should things go as hoped, local fight fans will get to see one of the area’s top prospects for the first time as a professional.
Robb (1-0, 1 KO) turned pro back in October with a first-round demolition of Jose Pacheco at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, California on a card promoted by Gary Shaw Productions. “He looked fantastic,” says Ray Woods, Robb’s trainer, recalling his debut performance. Robb’s manager Repo Ric liked what he saw as well, but feels the two minutes the bout lasted was not enough time for the Sacramento native to show all that he had. “After five fights, I am taking him back home to Gary Shaw,” said Repo, confident the promoter will be even more impressed the second time around.
Robb was ranked near the top of the 125-pound weight class by USA Boxing for much of his amateur career, which was highlighted by a title victory at the 2008 Ringside World Championships. “It’s too early to start talking about it, but I think he is going to be a top notch fighter,” says Woods. “All he needs is time and experience.”
In order to get a young fighter experience, it is the job of his team to line up fights that will challenge him progressively. In Omar Sanchez (0-1), Robb’s team feels they have a fighter that could possibly extend Robb some rounds and give him a good fight. “I want rounds, and I watched Sanchez’ fight with [local prospect Maximilliano] Becerra,” said Woods. “He’s the type of kid that will be tough, but I don’t think that he could beat us.”
At Thursday’s weigh-in, Robb weighed in at 132-pounds. Sanchez, who fights out of Fairfield, came in overweight at 138-pounds. Sanchez did not want to lose the two pounds required to make the contracted weight of 136. Eventually a deal was struck between the camps that Sanchez would not gain a pound before a morning weight check, which kept the fight alive.
“I’m not worried about the weight too much,” says Robb. “I’m just glad to have an opponent. I am tired of having fights cancelled. While Robb expects the fight to go through, he would not be surprised if Sanchez did not live up to his end either. “It’s a possibility,” said Robb. “They don’t look like they want the fight like I do.”
Tonight’s event, which will be televised by Telefutura, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, Don Chargin Productions, Jorge Marron Productions and Paco Presents. The event is expected to be a sell out. If any tickets remain, they will be available for purchase at the door.