LAS VEGAS ? If this is indeed his last fight, then why did Marco Antonio Barrera pick on Manny Pacquiao?
The future Hall-of-Famer from Mexico has a very simple answer.
?I want the people to remember that Marco Antonio Barrera is a great fighter. I don?t want an easy fight for my last fight,? he said, surrounded by a pack of journalists during the press conference for their Saturday fight at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas.
Barrera, at 33, is the older and slower fighter. But he said it?s really all about heart, all about the dedication.
?It?s been a long time since I?ve dedicated myself to a fight like this. For this fight, I have the extra will. I know I prepared myself a lot better,? he said.
The three-time champion is aware that Pacquiao trained under the cover of certain distractions. But the Mexican just doesn?t care.
?I don?t pay attention to anything that happens to him. I don?t care,? he said through an interpreter.
?This is absolutely my last fight. I?m confident that I?ll win. I?ve surprised a lot of people already,? said Barrera, who has fought 68 fights in a career of almost 20 years.
He said it?s about time to devote more time to his family although he said, joking, that his headaches are not related to the sport.
?I?ve been having headaches for the last eight years. It?s not because of boxing but because of my wife,? he said, drawing laughter from his audience.
Then seriously, Barrera said: ?I?ve been in the business for almost 20 years, I need to give time to my family.?
Barrera said Freddie Roach complaining of excessive wrapping in his hands is nothing but an excuse.
?They?ve been trying to find a lot of excuses. Freddie Roach keeps saying that my wraps are too thick and too high. But it?s okay,? he added.
?Is Freddie talking a lot? I?m glad that I?m on his mind.?
Meanwhile, Pacquiao seemed at a loss for words when he took to the microphone.
?What I can tell is that Barrera is one-hundred percent in shape. I will try to win on Saturday. And we will see if it?s true that he?s really destructive,? he said.:
?Don?t miss this fight. It?s going to be a good fight. It?s going to be a tremendous fight. And I pray to the Lord that all fighters who will fight on Saturday will not get hurt, especially the two of us, ? he said.
?It will be a good fight. Everybody, enjoy. I?ll see you. Thank you to all the Filipino people and to all the people who love boxing.?
Then he turned to his wife in the crowd: ?And thank you to my wife. I love you Babe.?
There was a big round of applause as wife Jinkee kept waving at Pacquiao.
