He is one of the sports most charismatic figures. The “Life & Times of Marco Antonio Barrera” would probably need a sequel to fully illustrate just how much the 31-year-old gladiator had to overcome to be where he is today.
Could you imagine what this sport would’ve missed out on, had he pursued another career, or even retired following his devastating losses to Junior Jones in the mid-1990’s, or in the late 90’s when he lost a controversial decision to Countryman Erik Morales?
While Mexican’s will never forget the manner in which he was beaten at the hands of Manny Pacquiao, nobody could be more proud of how Barrera has managed to overcome that defeat by capturing the WBC Super Featherweight title with a convincing victory over Morales last November. Watching Barrera redefine himself to suit the times – in a sport as unforgiving as boxing no less – is absolutely astonishing.
If Barrera had retired following his loss to Junior Jones, we would have all been deprived of one of the greatest trilogies of all-time … Prince Naseem Hamed might have become one of the greatest Featherweights in history … and a young man by the name of Manny Pacquiao, might have been forced to take on Erik Morales at the Alamodome, instead.
Barrera has not only changed boxing by the decisions he’s made during his career, but by surviving the times … again and again.
Just how long has Barrera lasted?
Well, Oscar De La Hoya was merely Oscar delaHoya “The Dreamer”; “Sugar” Ray Leonard was the Super Middleweight Champion of the world – and if that doesn’t seem like a long time to you – the Los Angeles Dodgers were the defending World Series Champions.
“I’m proud to be able to say that I’ve lasted this long,” says Barrera. “I think it has more to do with dedication than anything else.”
These days – unless he is fighting Erik Morales – Marco Antonio Barrera enjoys holding 12 round boxing clinics before large audiences across the United States. Barrera, once referred to as “The Baby Faced Assassin,” has become some what of a “Wrinkled Faced Instructor,” but his fans still enjoy it. “I don’t mind seeing Barrera beat the crap out of someone for 12 rounds,” says Jose Manuel Gonzalez, of Mexico City. “What’s wrong with that?”
While Gonzalez may enjoy a Barrera clinic, some critics have gone as far as to say, “Barrera has abandoned his roots as a Mexican fighter.” The simple notion that Barrera has forsaken “the Code of the Aztec,” or the spoken rule of the Mexican fighter; to engage your foe at all times; take 3 to give 1; forget about defense, is probably all true. The savageries of war have played a part in the evolution of Barrera – no doubt! But to say that Barrera is not a “Real Mexican” or a “Sell Out,” like his nemesis Erik Morales has suggested, is ridiculous.
The simple truth is that Barrera is as Mexican as they come, and [proud of it]. In Mexico, they have a saying: “You Are Mexican by Luck,” and it speaks to the heart of every proud member of that race. So the next time you hear someone say that Marco Antonio Barrera is regarded as “Less Mexican” than Erik Morales, simply because of his style in the ring; consider who is saying this, because chances are, they’re not a “Real Mexican.”
The surprise factor that usually accompanies a Marco Antonio Barrera fight is what keeps us on the edge of our seat. Each time Barrera enters the ring is like watching a legendary performer step on stage. But the greatest thing about boxing is, that no matter who’s performing, the end result is always unknown.
When Barrera steps through the ropes this Saturday in Las Vegas, it will be for the 66th time in his 16 years as a professional (a total of 366 Rounds). From his early days fighting out of Mexico City, through his days headlining at The Great Western Forum, all the way to the present, Barrera continues to be the main attraction. And until the day that he decides to hang’em up, we’ll continue to watch, and continue to enjoy whatever game of high-stakes drama Marco Antonio Barrera has in store for us.
——————————————————————-
Marco Antonio Barrera vs. Robbie Peden will be broadcasted LIVE from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV., on HBO PPV beginning at 9:00PM ET/6:00 PM PT. In the Co-Feature, 3-Division Champ “Sugar” Shane Mosley, takes on Jose Luis Cruz in a 12 Round Welterweight battle. In other action, Leavander Johnson will take on Jesus Chavez in a 12 round fight for the IBF Lightweight Championship.
