| |
|
Vendetta in Autumn
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr. PhilBoxing.com Sat, 25 Aug 2007

Marco Antonio Barrera turned 33 years old last January. His career has been superlative and it is a sure fire ticket to the Hall of Fame. His record of 63 wins (KO 42) - lost 5 is something most boxers would envy.
Four years ago he was riding on the crest of a wave of significant victories – from the 2001 dismantling of the Naseem Hamed myth and winning his rematch against Erik Morales in 2002. He was also beating name fighters like Johnny Tapia and Kevin Kelley.
A year later he faced a brash young Filipino who entered the ring a 9 to 1 underdog in most betting stations. Barrera received a thorough beating and most boxing writers were preparing to write his obituary.
Then came the third Morales fight and fans realized that he was not washed up.
There are still people who cling to the idea that he was not mentally prepared against Manny Pacquiao. Barrera’s performance against Rocky Juarez in their first encounter also showed that he was still capable of waging a ring war. But the lingering question remains: For how long?
In his last fight against Juan Manuel Marquez and the scoreline may have been appalling, but questions lingered – has he fought one war too many? Is four years and seven fights really a long time to wait to once again face the fighter who almost signed his retirement check?
The Juarez rematch may provide a blueprint of Barrera’s battle plan: Box instead of brawl. But Juarez did not provide adequate pressure in their rematch. Another big problem is that Barrera will also be facing a different and more improved Manny Pacquiao this time around.
There will be also negative mental images that Barrera needs to erase. The most prominent of which is that he was rescued by a relative in the ring against further punishment from the Pacman. But revenge is a dish best tasted cold. Barrera will definitely want a huge bite.
Whatever his fight plan is one thing is certain. Barrera will not go quitely. Mexican warriors never do.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Chezka Centeno ready for world 10-ball title defense By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 27 Jun 2026Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis: Breakout Moment in Brooklyn By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 27 Jun 2026GAB Must Look Into Exploitation of Rated Filipino Fighters in Japan By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Sat, 27 Jun 2026TITLE FIGHT ON: Zayas and "Boots" Ennis Hit the Scales for Brooklyn Super-Welterweight Showdown By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 27 Jun 2026USC's Galen Center confirmed as Martinez-Plantic, Lopez-Carrillo venue August 29, live on ProBoxTV , Sat, 27 Jun 2026July 4: Albert Bell Steps In to Challenge Abdullah Mason in All-Ohio WBO Lightweight World Title Showdown at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center LIVE on TNT and DAZN , Fri, 26 Jun 2026Zamboanga relinquishes her ONE Women’s title By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 26 Jun 2026Top-ranked Charly Suarez facing Manuel Avila, plus two more fights added to July 18 ProBoxTV event , Fri, 26 Jun 2026Yanon fights Kaji in Tokyo on July 4 By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 26 Jun 2026Preparations underway for 2026 IBA men’s divisional continental championships , Fri, 26 Jun 2026Highland Boxing Promotions Presents "Warrior Showdown" in Bangkok on June 27 By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026Usyk reportedly considering retirement but could face Kabayel before the year ends By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026Luke Littler and Ben Whittaker join forces as Matchroom Sport takes over New York City , Thu, 25 Jun 2026IOC Announces $10,000 'Fit for the Future' Grant for All Qualifying Olympians, Including Boxers By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026Boxers did it first: IBA President welcomes IOC’s decision on allocating funds among athletes , Thu, 25 Jun 2026PH national now ready for Asia-Oceania Sambo By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026UFC TITLE CHALLENGER IAN MACHADO GARRY JOINS MATCHROOM TALENT AGENCY AS EDDIE HEARN LAUDS 'SUPERSTAR' SIGNING , Thu, 25 Jun 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Fathers in the boxing world By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan arrive for Asia & Oceania Sambo Tournament By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026Mexican Hall of Fame Legend Carlos Zarate undergoes surgery in Mexico By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026IM Arca to see action in 28th Asian Youth Chess Championships 2026 in Shenzhen,China By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026Lenar Perez to Face Former Two-Time World Title Challenger Thabiso Mchunu, with Fendero-Fondjo as Co-Feature on September 3 in Montreal! , Wed, 24 Jun 2026Gustavo Trujillo'S Remarkable Journey Continues as Reigning Bkb Heavyweight Champion Climbs the Pro Boxing Ranks , Wed, 24 Jun 2026AMER ABDALLAH APPOINTED ADVISOR TO THE KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN BOXING FEDERATION , Wed, 24 Jun 2026Youth Sports Sambo on June 25 By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026 |

|
|
|
|
|