EL PASO ? Mexico’s Marco Antonio Barrera paved the way for a possible rematch with Manny Pacquiao when he knocked out South African challenger Mzonke Fana in the second round here Saturday to retain his World Boxing Council super featherweight title.
Barrera said he will be staying at the 130-pound division and is willing to take on anybody that the public will pit against him. A hefty payday awaits if he fights Pacquiao while a fourth fight with his Mexican nemesis Erik Morales is also too tempting to resist.
Asked if he would be ready to take on Morales for a fourth time, Barrera said: ?If that’s what the fans want, I’m here.?
A development that could douse hopes of a Barrera-Pacquiao rematch are talks that Barrera might consider moving up to 135 pounds in an attempt to become the first Mexican fighter to win titles in four weight classes.
?Well that’s something that we’re going to have to sit down and discuss with Barrera (Morales fight). It’s not out of the question of the possibility of a fourth fight. Obviously we have Pacquiao out there we also have different options at 135 lbs. where possibly he could the first Mexican fighter to win titles in four weight divisions. There’s a lot of opportunities out there for Barrera,? promoter Oscar de la Hoya said.
Barrera dominated from the opening bell and knocked out the challenger with a devastating right at 1:48 of the second.
Morales had set the tone in the first round with two right hands that rocked the South African.
In the second, Barrera unleashed a right to the head that knocked Fana off-balance, followed by a jab and another explosive right that sent him crashing to the canvas.
Fana had earned his shot at Barrera with a narrow split decision over Randy Suico of the Philippines last May. That made him the WBC’s No. 1 rated contender, but he still arrived in the United States a virtual unknown – even to Barrera.
Fana was fighting outside South Africa for just the second time and suffered the third defeat of his career, against 22 victories.
Barrera improved to 60-4, with 42 knockouts. He made his first defence of the 130-pound crown he won last November against compatriot Erik ?Terrible? Morales in the third fight of their bitter rivalry.
?It was a great victory against the top-ranked challenger,? Barrera said. ?Now I’ll take a break, and see what my promotor, Oscar de la Hoya, decides.?
