By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera may not have looked like the “Baby Faced Assassin” in his last fight against Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao where he survived the twelve rounds but lost a lopsided unanimous decision. However, he’s apparently decided, after a short period of retirement, to return to the ring.
Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer informed Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today that “it is correct that Barrera is coming back” but it wont be against IBF champion Mzonke Fana who had won the title from another South African Malcolm Klassen.
Schaefer said Fana “is in a mandatory position so it will not be against him.” Fana is scheduled for a mandatory defense against another South African Cassius Baloyi. Although he didn’t know who Barrera’s opponent would be the Golden Boy CEO said “he might be fighting on the May 3 pay-per-view card.”
Schaefer said it seems that retirement is farthest from the mind of Barrera at this time pointing out that “Marco wants to do several more fights with Golden Boy including some big fights.”
Fana was mauled and stopped in two rounds by Barrera in 2005 after the South Africa won a highly controversial decision against the Philippines Randy Suico who dropped him twice and had him on the verge of a knockout in the final round but still won a split decision.