11.07.08 – by James Slater: Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera has not fought since his October 2007 rematch with Manny Pacquiao. Losing for a second time to “Pac-Man,” this time via unanimous decision as opposed to the 11th round TKO he suffered at the hands of Pacquiao in fight number one, Barrera announced his retirement afterwards.
But recently there have been whispers indicating Barrera has the urge to fight again – and is keen to end his legendary career with a win. There was talk of a second fight with Mzonke Fana, a fighter Barrera handled easily back in April of 2005 – stopping the South African in just two rounds. Fana then regrouped and won the IBF super-featherweight title – hence Marco’s possible desire to fight him for a second time. But then, this past April, Fana lost his belt. So no rematch with Barrera, then.
Another name put forward as a possible comeback foe for Barrera is that of Humberto Soto (the fight is actually up on BoxRec right now as taking place in September). So far, however, nothing has been confirmed. But it would not be a big surprise if Barrera was to box again. Now thirty-four years of age – which isn’t all that old in today’s terms – Marco would more than likely be able to beat at least a couple of top-ten rated super-featherweights. If a second bout with Fana had taken place, for example, Barrera would have had a great chance of winning. And who could really blame Barrera if he did definitely decide to fight again?
After all he achieved in his future Hall of Fame career, it is only natural “The Baby Faced Assassin” would want to go out on top. And the 34-year-old didn’t do all that badly in the rematch with the mighty Pacquiao, did he? Should he fight again as a super-featherweight, Marco just might be able to get his hands on another world title. With a number of top class 130 pound fighters either moving up to lightweight or planning to do so (Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Marquez and Edwin Valero, for three examples) there may soon be an opportunity for Barrera to box for a vacant title.
With regards to his short-term future, an article that went up on PhilBoxing.com today had interesting news about Barrera. According to the piece, Marco will soon very possibly be leaving Golden Boy Promotions. Indeed, the reason for this is because Barrera is unhappy he has not been given a fight since his loss to Pacquiao. So if true, this gives even further credence to the notion that the all-time great wants to box again. According to the article, Barrera may be holding a press conference very soon to announce his parting from Golden Boy.
Also in the piece was the news that Barrera has been in contact with Manny Pacquiao and is keen on doing some co-promotion work with him in the future. It seems Barrera has a number of ideas in the pipeline.