HOLLYWOOD, CA — Matched by destiny, along with a good helping or inter-promotional politics, Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez will add their clash to the long history of battles between Mexican warriors on March 17 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions.
Barrera and Marquez were on hand, along with their promoter Oscar De La Hoya, at the House of Blues, to officially announce the super featherweight showdown. Both men took the cue from their characteristically classy promoter, De La Hoya, and did not engage in any press conference antics; there were no shoving matches, or stare downs, but both proud warriors did partake in some mild verbal jabbing.
“I am going to take Barrera’s hand and lead him down the road to retirement,” said Marquez (46-3-1, 35 KOs), “I am going to take his crown, it is my turn.”
Barrera countered with his classic dry wit.
“Marquez has dreamed of beating me,” said Barrera (63-4, 42 KOs), “There is a huge difference between dreaming it and doing it.”
Tickets for the bout are priced $400, $300, $200, $100, $50, and available at ticketmaster.com.
Though Barrera has had a more storied career, the super featherweights share more similarities than difference.
Both men spent the early part of their careers fighting for Forum Boxing. Both men are excellent boxer-punchers, though Barrera only developed the style after two losses to Junior Jones earlier in his career. Both men were born in Mexico City, Mexico. Both men come from fairly middle-class backgrounds, Both men have had the same trainer for their entire professional careers, a rarity in modern boxing. Both men have spent several years in the same division, or within a division of each other. Both men are now promoted by Golden Boy Promotions.
It was announced that the Mandalay Bay sports books opened up action on the fight with Barrera a two to one favorite, but De La Hoya refuses to pick a favorite.
“I am in an awkward position promoting this fight, “said De La Hoya, “They are both great champions and I admire them both. May the best man win.”
While addressing the collected media, Marquez stated, “I have the best trainer in the world, in Ignacio Beristain.” When Barrera spoke, he took it one step further in praising his trainer, Rudy Perez, “Ignacio may be one of the best, but I have the best trainer, and we have already beaten Ignacio once before.”
Barrera was referring to a 1992 April Fool’s Day unanimous decision over Josefino Suarez in Mexico City; Ignacio Beristain was the trainer for Suarez.
After the conference and required media follow-ups, both men will go directly to training camp to begin preparations for “Fearless”.
“We will be training in the mountains of Toluca, Mexico,” said Beristain to Boxing Confidential, “I will train both Juan Manuel and Rafael Marquez in the secluded camp.”
Roberto Diaz, long time advisor to Barrera, informed that the WBC super featherweight champion would be conducting his training in Big Bear, California.
