LAS VEGAS — Legendary Mexican fighter Marco Antonio Barrera announced his retirement Sunday moments after his unanimous decision loss at the hands of Filipino champion Manny Pacquiao at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.
?This is my last fight,? he told the media at the post-fight press conference, while holding his young daughter.
?Tonight, I say goodbye to this beautiful sport. I?ve fought with the best, and I?m happy with my decision,? added Barrera, who lost to Pacquiao for the second time in front of 10,112 screaming fans.
When asked what?s the difference between this fight and the one he lost to Pacquiao in 2003, Barrera said: ?The difference between this fight and the first one, was that I felt all of his punches the first time. Tonight, I did not feel them. But he is still very big, very strong.?
Asked if there was a fighter out there who can beat Manny Pacquiao, Barrera was quick with his answer: ?Valero!?
The future Hall-of-Famer was referring to the Japan-based Venezuelan Edwin Valero, who watched the fight at ringside.
Promoted by Asia?s influential promoter Akihiko Honda, Valero has been calling out Pacquiao to a fight, although his handlers have indicated it might be too soon for him to face Pacquiao.
Meanwhile, World Boxing Organization super featherweight champion Joan Guzman Sunday personally issued a challenge to Pacquiao.
Guzman attended Sunday?s post-fight press conference, and took the microphone to ask Pacquiao when he is going to fight him.
?When are you going to fight me?? queried Guzman, while Pacquiao was busy talking with promoter Oscar De La Hoya.
Guzman, however, has yet to take care of business on Nov. 17 when he takes on dangerous Mexican Humberto Soto.
