Marco Antonio Barrera is now aiming at a revenge re-match against Manny Pacquiao, but when it comes off, it?ll be a real dig deep challenge unlike his easy to predict destruction of a game but totally outgunned Paulie Ayala.
This win proved a few scant details. That Marco can still punch and exude intimidation IF his mind is on the job?but little else. Even though Paulie was a tad heavier than Marco at the weigh in, he?ll never be a featherweight, just as Marco is entirely unsuited to try for the higher super featherweight division. And weight is what counts here.
In their first fight, a long time ago, Marco savaged Erik Morales, because Erik against his better judgment, had starved himself down to the super bantamweight limit for one last time.
A weakened and badly dehydrated Erik took terrible lacing and Marco won the fight hands down, but was robbed by the judges. Then in fight two Erik clearly won, but injustice was again aptly served because this time he was point pocketed.
Following fight one, Erik vowed that he would not make the same mistake twice. And so an attempt by him to come back down to the feathers is most unlikely.
Erik?s Promoter Fernando Beltran is even talking about Erik moving up to lightweight after his July Famoso bust up. The pair are looking to make Mexican history by clinching a title at a fourth weight division to pip Julio Cesar Chavez.
Meanwhile, Marco, who?s not as tall or big framed as Erik would be most advised to attempt a trip upwards. He?d just be carrying that weight as excess?like Paulie did.
Marco who loves holidays in Cancun and even allows himself to get sun scorched, is burning to get it on with Manny again. He came to that fight at his very worst, battling revelations of his brain operation, managerial transition turmoil and disruption to his Big Bear Training Camp due to wild fires. He also?let?s face it?underestimated Manny.
Manny, who showed his desire, power and utter commitment then, won?t ever again have so many factors in his favor.
Although the Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez brawl and a half was a thrilla, HBO and the fans want to see Manny and Marco one more time.
Now Marco?s passed the simplest and safest test out there, emerging unmarked with confidence at least partially restored, my bet is on chapter two rather than chapter three. The powers that be, might also be mindful that Marco has publically stated that he wants to call it a day at 32 years of age. And the clock it ticking.
