A SENIOR member of Marco Antonio Barrera’s entourage said on Thursday that the Mexican is so haunted by his loss to Manny Pacquiao that he plans to do what it takes to fight the Filipino again to gain his revenge.
Barrera adviser Roberto Diaz told boxingtalk.net that Pacquiao “is a thorn” on Marco’s (Barrera) side and is raring to get back at his tormentor.
“Marco wants it bad,” said Diaz. “Marco will get his revenge.”
A rematch between Pacquiao and Barrera suddenly took the spotlight when the Mexican informed the World Boxing Council (WBC) about his willingness to rumble with the Filipino southpaw following the cancellation of his fight with Jesus Chavez for the International Boxing Federation lightweight crown.
“I think everyone has been waiting for this fight,” added Diaz.
Pacquiao had knocked out Barrera in the 11th round when they met in November 2003 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
Since then, Barrera has rebounded spelndidly by beating several top-of-the-line foes, including Erik Morales in late-2004.
But Pacquiao remains the hotter commodity after his resounding 10th round knockout of Morales, who had never been off his feet before.
Pacquiao is slated to figure in a non-title fight sometime in June or July against a foe yet to be named after Oscar Lariaos, who has been lined up for this encounter was designated the mandatory challenger to Israel Vazquez’s WBC super-bantamweight title.
After this tuneup fight, he intends to brawl with Morales in a rubber match in October or November.
From its headquarters in Mexico City, the WBC has informed both camps about a purse bidding that will decide the purse, date and venue of the highly-anticipated rematch.
However, Team Pacquiao has to inform the WBC if it wishes to take part in the purse bidding that will be held at the WBC’s Mexico City headquarters via teleconference call.
Pacquiao was expected to plane in from Hong Kong last night and associate Wakee Salud said he will discuss the matter with the prizefighter immediately.
“I will ask him if he is willing to take on Barrera in his next fight instead of a tuneup,” said Salud.
