By Sean Ocampo: The long wait is over for the ultimate rematch between two warriors. It has been nearly four years since we last saw Manny Pacquiao and Marco Antonio Barrera go at it inside the ring. This coming October, fans will see these two warriors go at it once more for pride and glory. The question of who will be victorious on this highly anticipated rematch between Pacquiao and Barrera looms around the corner. Will it be a repeat performance for Pacman or will it be a sweet revenge for Barrera?
During their first fight at the Alamodome, it was total annihilation in favor Pacquiao. It was the coming out party for the man they called “Pacman” as he beat Barrera in a very brutal fashion.
The first fight lasted eleven rounds with Pacquiao showing his dominance starting from round two up to the stoppage. Many people gave Pacquiao a slight chance of winning against Barrera in this fight. However, Pacquiao proved them wrong as he humiliated the great Marco Antonio Barrera using his superior handspeed and powerful left hand.
Many people thought that Barrera was on his way down and he should be thinking about an early retirement. But Barrera dismissed that and insisted that he had off night against Pacquiao and vowed to avenge his defeat.
Barrera’s camp claimed that there were distractions during his preparation against Pacquiao. They claimed that the fire at Barrera’s training camp and the issues regarding Barrera’s operation were distractions going into the fight.
After his brutal defeat, Barrera came back and pile a string of victories against known opponents but dropping his most recent fight against a familiar Pacquiao opponent, Juan Manuel Marquez, in a close competitive championship fight.
Pacquiao, after his victory over Barrera, fought competitively against tough competition that includes Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales and Oscar Larios. Pacquiao fought a disappointing draw against Marquez but he dropped the great counterpuncher three times in the first round. He completed a trilogy against Marco Antonio Barrera’s rival Erik Morales with Pacquiao winning the last two by two great knockouts. He also showed dazzling handspeed as he beat a very durable and well prepared Oscar Larios by decision in his homeland.
The Filipino Bomber also entered politics this year, as he ran for a congressional seat, but he eventually lost to the incumbent congresswoman Darlene Antonino-Custodio. Pacquiao did not show any remorse after his defeat in politics but he promised to continue his ring greatness.
Pacquiao is now in the Philippines training for this big fight against Barrera. He is in unfamiliar territory in training because he usually works out in the United States where there are few distractions. Pacquiao opted to train here because he insisted that this is part of their strategy in avoiding Mexican spies. Recently, Freddie Roach showed displeasure and threatened to go back to the United States because of the circus like crowd during Pacquiao’s training. But all is well now, as the security in Pacquiao’s training facility tightened up after Roach showed his displeasure.
Barrera, on the other hand, is now training in seclusion as he vowed to beat Pacquiao convincingly. Nobody has seen Barrera in public or even heard from him after the “Will to Win” press conference in California. He is said to be focused and determined to avenge his 2003 defeat over Pacquiao.
Pacquiao has the psychological edge going into this fight because his brutal victory over Barrera. He should try to make Barrera fight every minute of every round. Take Barrera’s legs away by throwing hard combinations to the body because Barrera usually fades out in the end. His tremendous hand speed is his major asset in beating Barrera. He should use it very wisely because Barrera can easily capitalize with his mistakes. His ever improving combinations is his key to victory. With blitzing combinations, he will be able to confuse Barrera as he punches from different angles. His patented double jab and powerful straight left can be an expected weapon going into this fight. Using different combinations will be useful in beating Barrera.
Pacquiao of 2003 is definitely different from the Pacquiao of today. He added weapons in his arsenal and he improved his defense a little. He will be a difficult match-up against the aging Barrera.
Barrera, on the other hand, should be smart in fighting Pacquiao. He should try to outbox Pacquiao and should avoid exchanges with the heavier puncher. Picking his spots and countering Pacquiao will be the best strategy to victory. As we all know, Pacquiao gets a little off balance when he throws his punches. Barrera should capitalize with that flaw and try to frustrate Pacquiao with his powerful jab. A few rough housing strategies can be advantageous to Barrera. Through rough housing, he will be able to get in to Pacquiao head and make Pacquiao frustrated.
Barrera is no longer in his prime but he can use his experience to beat the fire breathing Filipino. He may be the underdog this time against Pacquiao but his ring smarts should not be underestimated.
This fight is probably the most anticipated Super Featherweight battle of the year. This is a sure brawl and fans will be treated to a great fight. This fight will surely not disappoint and it a sure entry for fight of the year honors.