Vendetta in Autumn

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.