PLEASANTON, California – Robert Guerrero Jnr is savoring the boxing experience on the independent circuit, while he awaits his own time to shine atop fight cards like his father once did.

Guerrero, 6-0 (3 KOs), the son of former multi-division titlist Robert Guerrero Snr, attended a regional fight at the Alameda County Fairgrounds to support his teammate Isaiah Jesse Orosco. Orosco, who is trained by the elder Guerrero, defeated Juan Molina by split decision. 

Though the card packed in roughly 2,000 people, it was far from the light of Las Vegas, where he fought earlier this year. Guerrero earned a second-round technical knockout of Sena Armas on March 22 at the Michelob Ultra Arena, Las Vegas. 

That mattered little to the rising prospect; in fact, he appreciated taking part in the intimate yet vibrant atmosphere.

“I see it as a good part,” Guerrero Jnr told BoxingScene. "You get a lot of local people to come out and support, and that's where you build your fanbase. So, this is my favorite part about the journey.”

Guerrero, an 18-year-old from Gilroy, California who now lives and trains in Las Vegas, has already lodged six bouts since turning pro last March. Whether on a big show or regionally, Guerrero is eager to show his talents.

“It humbles you a lot, too,” Guerrero said. “You don't forget about it ever.”

Guerrero rose to the occasion in his most recent bout against a considerable step up in class from his first five foes. Armas, 6-2 (3 KOs), a 29-year-old from Pomona, California, far exceeded the quintet of opponents with just one win between them.

The rise in opposition is essential. Guerrero carries the extra burden of proving that he is more than just a second-generation boxer with a familiar name. His father’s name continues to ring out; with that comes the pressure of living up to unfair expectations from the public.

“I was ready for it,” Guerrero said. “We did a lot of studying, and it was just a great experience on that big stage.”

Now, Guerrero, who goes by the nickname of “El Pistolero” (“The Gunman”), aspires to one day fight in Las Vegas and sell out the venue.

"I felt great,” Guerrero said. “I felt like I was destined to be there.”

Lucas Ketelle is the author of “Inside the Ropes of Boxing,” a guide for young fighters, a writer for BoxingScene and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Find him on X at .