MANILA, Philippines – Age is catching up to unbeaten American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. although he remains a highly skilled pugilist, says World Boxing Council (WBC) interim welterweight champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero.

Guerrero aims to be the first man to defeat Mayweather when they face off inside the ring on May 4 in Las Vegas, and “The Ghost” believes he has a great chance of pulling off the feat.

“Whether he admits it or not, nobody wants to admit they are slipping,” Guerrero said, as quoted by the website International Business Times UK.

“But being a student of the game, watching Floyd from his younger days, he is slipping,” he added. “He’s a half step slower with his footwork.”

The 36-year-old Mayweather did struggle in his last fight, a unanimous decision victory over Miguel Cotto wherein he was visibly pressured by the Puerto Rican star.

Still, Guerrero remains wary, pointing out that Mayweather can adjust and adapt very well inside the ring.

“He’s a mastermind of the ring and he knows how to make adjustments,” Guerrero said. “He’s very wise in the ring, and you’ve got take a very wise approach to the fight.”

“I’m going to beat him, because I have the God-given ability to do it,” he said. “I’ve had the right fights and experiences.”

“I was groomed the right way to be in these championship fights. I’m hungry. I want to be the best, so you’ve got to fight the best, and I’m coming out to fight.”