LAS VEGAS ? Marco Antonio Barrera, who fought two classic fights with Manny Pacquiao, is in town to watch the Filipino?s rematch against Juan Manuel Marquez tomorrow at Mandalay Bay.
Barrera, who lost both fights to Pacquiao, including a 12-round decision last October, was seen at the lobby of The Hotel at Mandalay Thursday afternoon with some gorgeous friends.
?It?s a big fight. People will come to see it because it?s a big fight,? said Barrera, in a black long-sleeved shirt, dark jeans and leather sandals. He looked perfectly fine despite staying out of the ring since losing to Pacquiao.
?Many years ago they fought a good fight and now I think it?s going to be the best. There will be explosion, and more reaction,? said the former world champion in different weight classes.
Barrera said he sees the fight lasting the distance, as it did in 2004 with Pacquiao and Marquez figured in a very controversial draw that needed four long years for it to happen once more.
?Pacquiao and Marquez will fight 12 rounds. I think so,? he said, adding that while he?s now friends with Pacquiao, he?d be rooting for his countryman, the 34-year-old world super-featherweight champion.
?Well, I?m Mexican, too,? said Barrera.
Just as scribes wrapped up the short interview, Pacquiao and his entourage came by.
As Pacquiao approached Barrera, the Pinoy ring icon was already smiling. They shook hands, posed before the cameras, whispered to each other and shared some laughter.
Did they talk about the commercial, which they are going to do in the Philippines?
?Maybe, they did. Because that?s what I and Barrera talked about earlier, too,? said Jeff de Guzman, a Pinoy based in LA.
Barrera is looking forward to visiting the Philippines.
?Philippines? Balut,? he said.
