MANILA, Philippines — Manny Pacquiao has always fought in behalf of his country –anyone who has heard his previous pre- and post-fight talk knows that much.
When he faces Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera on Oct. 6, though, he won’t be the only one trying to summon nationalistic fervor.
Barrera, the Latino boxing idol headed for Hall-of-Fame enshrining, has turned the highly anticipated rematch into a patriotic battle.
“I am not just fighting for personal revenge, I’m fighting for my country and my fellow Mexican fighters who have fallen victim to Pacquiao,” said Barrera after a workout, according to a report at eastsideboxing.com.
“I am training harder than I ever have. I want to beat Manny so badly I can taste it. This goes beyond being personal. For me, this fight is about restoring national pride.”
And as if there isn’t enough nationalistic flavor surrounding the match already, a report by the boxing website on the Barrera training in Guadalajara has declared the Filipino ring icon as “Republica Enemy No. 1.”
“Pacquiao has blitzed through the best boxing fighters Mexico had to offer since 2003, including Morales (KO 3, TKO 10), Barrera (TKO 11), Oscar Larios (W 12), Emanuel Lucero (TKO 3), Hector Velazquez (TKO 6) and Jorge Solis (KO 8),” the report said.
“The only “blemish” was a draw against Juan Manuel Marquez in 2004, where Pacquiao sent Marquez to the canvas three times in the first round.”
Pacquiao, for his part, continues to train at the Rex “Wakee” Salud gym in Cebu City, and has vowed not to allow Barrera exact revenge for his humiliating loss in Texas in November 2003.
The gym has been closed to the public after trainer Freddie Roach complained to gym owner Salud of unknown individuals secretly taking footage of Pacquiao.
Even the media have not been spared. They have been asked to secure an entry pass at Salud’s office to be approved by Roach.
On Saturday, Pacquiao will hold a media and fans’ day where he will grant the wish of some 43 pupils of the Fun and Learn Achievers’ Learning Center to see him train.
