The third meeting between two of the best fighters in the world, Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera, is only a few weeks away. The two Mexican rivals have waged war on two occasions and plan to wage war one more time on November 27, 2004. The winner is likely to meet Philippine sensation Manny Pacquiao in February of next year. Barrera has a lot more to lose in this fight because a loss, depending on the circumstances, could end up being a career ending blow.
"I know that a loss in this fight could mean retirement. I beat Morales twice, the first fight was stolen from me, but the public knows I won. I will beat him again to leave no questions. I will finally settle the argument of who is the best Mexican fighter in the world. After I knocked out Ayala, some doubters still remain, this fight will show the entire world that I am back." said Barrera
The two fighters first met on February 19, 2000. Most of the boxing public overlooked Barrera, who was once a superstar, due to his back to back losses to Junior Jones. What happened in this fight was very unexpected. Barrera and Morales went to war from start to finish, the two fighters held nothing back. By the last round, both men were bruised, bloody and exhausted. The fight was so good that it won the Fight of the Year honors for the year 2000. The fifth round, where Barrera appeared to be out on his feet and suddenly comes back to almost knock out Morales, won the Round of the Year honors for 2000. The fight was so good that it became legendary, so legendary that all future Mexican vs. Mexican fights are now measured up to this bout.
Even though Barrera lost a very disputed split decision, he brought his career back from the gutter and eventually was able to get a shot at Naseem Hamed, a fight that catapulted his name into the ranks of the pound for pound best in the world.
After fans were waiting for nearly two years, the two men signed for a long awaited rematch to take place on June 22, 2002. The second bout was the opposite of the first. Erik Morales gave Marco Antonio Barrera a boxing lesson to win many of the early rounds. Barrera sensed that he could be behind and put on a late rally in the last few rounds. The second bout also ended in controversy. Barrera was given the unanimous decision victory, but most observers felt Morales won this time.
"Barrera is through, there will be no decision this time. I won't let the fight get to the judges, I will knock him out this time. I already showed that I am the better fighter in our last fight. I take on the best and Barrera takes on has-beens. I'm sick of him this guy already, I'm going to send him into retirement." said Morales
Fans have waited over two years for these men to stage the last bout to complete their trilogy, most thought it may never happen. Only one man will go home to Mexico a hero.
