Compiled by Rick Reeno
World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Featherweight Champion, Marco Antonio Barrera will meet World Boxing Organization (WBO) Featherweight Champion Juan Manuel Marquez Saturday, March 17 at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. Boxing fans have been waiting a long time for this battle between two of the most recognized Mexican fighters in the world.
David Greisman - Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez are two men with too much in common. They've both competed for a good duration at the highest level. Both men know how to box, but each will dig deep and throw down when required to do so. They have faced a common opponent. Oh, and when they win, the ring announcer enunciates three names for them.
But fortune isn't always dished out evenly. Barrera is the popular Mexican warrior while Marquez is known of but underappreciated. Barrera has been in the headlines. Marquez is approaching a deadline.
With Barrera-Marquez, the former is a superstar while the latter is a pound-for-pound denizen who has strived for the brightest lights and biggest bucks. It is Marquez' hunger that may make the difference.
Against Terdsak Jandaeng and Jimrex Jaca, Marquez didn't just go for the win -- he decided to be victorious in style. Whether it's due to his slowing down and being hit more or if it is a conscientious effort to send a message to fans, the decision makers and his fellow boxers, Marquez is literally -- and finally -- making an impact.
Barrera, meanwhile, can no longer flash back to boxing and retain an advantage. In Barrera's first bout against Rocky Juarez, the scorecards were too close for comfort. Barrera showed his scientific side in the rematch, the style that has kept his career going even while his pay-per-view buy rates are low.
It's hard to predict the fight. We could end up with a boxing match or a brawl, and we could also end up with one man as a boxer and the other as a puncher -- and it's unsure which man will be which.
But Marquez has more to gain. Both he and Barrera want a rematch against Manny Pacquiao -- a bout that will be a highly anticipated megafight, should the Pacquiao/Top Rank/Golden Boy litigation situation ever be resolved.
It's Marquez, however, who fought in relative poverty compared to the checks Barrera was cashing in. Marquez has more to gain and more to lose. Both men have accomplished so much, but Marquez desires so much more -- that desire should propel Juan Manuel Marquez to victory.
Tim Smith - This is an incredible matchup. You look at each man's work against Pacquiao and Marquez weathered that storm a lot better than Barrera. That doesn't mean Barrera can't handle Marquez. I'm not sure how much Barrera has left in the tank. But I believe he has just enough to get past Marquez. Barrera in a split decision.
CompuBox – Juan Manuel Marquez by split decision
Patrick Kehoe - "Not sure why I feel like I am going out on a limb picking Marquez to decision Barrera. Maybe it's because Barrera's losses came when he faced pressurizing power and Barrera is not one to be out boxed, not normally. Both fighters may be 33, but it's Marquez with the bit between his teeth and his entire career to validate; now that's motivation! If the judges can look at this fight with ANYTHING like objective rationality, a stretch I admit, then this might be Marquez's time to prove a point.
In a battle of the jab and counter pot shotting, Marquez edges Barrera over the distance. Let's hope one or both of them get up some attitude somewhere over the 12 rounds so we don't fall asleep waiting for a classic fight to break out amid all the technically aesthetic boxing!"
Brent Matteo Alderson - This fight isn't really a big deal for Barrera. It's not as big as the Naseem Hamed fight or his second and third fights with erik Morales. In comparison it's huge for Juan Manuel. It's his first time headlining a major pay per view and its a chance for him to make everything that's gone wrong with his career right. A victory for Juan Manuel will vindicate his career as well as his career choices because it will finally help establish his legacy and put him in a position to fight against Golden Boy's vast stable of talented 130-pounders. Plus Marco has been around so long and has already established himself as one of the top five Mexican fighters of all time. Marquez isn't a make or break fight for him. Also Barrera has had so many wars that you figure that they have to catch up to him sometime and I think it's going to happen tomorrow.
I like Juan Manuel in the fight, but please afterwards don't claim that Marquez was always better than Barrera and Morales because he wasn't. But he ist right now. I was at Barrera-McKinney and the first Morales fight and even though Barrera is still a great technician, he's slowed down quite a bit.
Bradley Yeh - One look at Barerra’s record and you're unmistakably presented with a man that is an expert puncher - a master blaster of the fight game. Barerra has just about done it all. If there's more to do in boxing than Barerra has achieved it is probably defined only in weight divisions out of reach of Marco’s featherweight frame, or by the ominous name of “Manny Pacquio”.
Rocky Juarez recently lasted the distance twice with Barerra. The second time was a complete shutout. Marquez is easily as good if not better than Juarez. Marquez also has all the experience that Juarez may have lacked the second time when Juarez’ offensive maneuvers were forensically dissected by Barerra the master-craft-Mexican-boxer.
Marquez is more likely to embrace a technical and tactical battle for the same given amount of received power pressure than Barerra. Whereas Barerra loves to, and has mostly made a legend of himself by, putting his opponents through the shredder until they capitulate or lose consciousness. Such is his fight plan’s muscularity.
History shows long distance punchers possessing superior mobility have had success with Barerra. Junior Jones and Pacman are two examples.
Marquez clearly has movement and a fine sense of distance. A case can also be made for his punching power, as Marquez’ KO percentage is better than Junior Jones and Barerra’s. It’s also equal to Pacquio’s. Barerra isn’t a slouch in the KO department either, with a 61% KO record.
Because Marquez has shown with Barerra destroyer Pacquio that he can manage the risk of superior speed and superior power to Barerra, to win against Marquez Barerra must alternate between his styles to ensure Marquez doesn't find his comfort zone in this fight. If Barerra can find a way to make his experience count and do this he will be successful. But as wide as the experiences gap between them may be it is somewhat offset, I believe, by Marquez’s less demanding schedule, his trainer, and Marquez’s all round ring savvy.
I am not saying Barerra is lost in the ring here either. But I am saying Marquez is a real handful.
Arguably Barerra came to his zenith with his shut out embarrassment of Naseem Hamed. If there ever was another fighter that could have handed Naseem Hamed defeat on the same day Barerra did, it was Marquez. Marquez was a mandatory that Hamed had selectively overlooked on more than one occasion.
To prevail, Barerra will need to alternate styles and fight both like he did in his matches with Morales, and also as the matador as he displayed against Juarez the 2nd time. The approach has value in its ability to remove any predictability that may be carefully recorded by Beristain in his studies.
In addition with the risk factor that Marquez genuinely presents, it should also be noted, that that there has probably not been a more dangerous combination of, era and opponent for Barerra, than right now with Marquez.
If Barerra successfully overcomes the Marquez challenge this weekend then the 68-fight champion will surely be a frontrunner to be mentioned with Salvador Sanchez and Chavez in the years to come when great Mexican fighting heroes are remembered.
Locked into war with another heroic Mexican, Barerra’s pride will reign slightly above pre-fight policy and plans. Along with it a slight loss of purpose will creep in to his angered actions. Barerra will chose to fight hard for the Mexican fan purists and their boxing hearts that have forever been infatuated with fighting styles that have shed unnecessary technique during their evolution. To the crowds delight, Barerra will sit down on punches and earn the respect of his fellow fighting compatriot.
The development of Marquez’s defense in almost equal proportions to his offence will be the key difference this weekend. Marquez’s defense will safe guard from excessive energy depletions associated with being the recipient of Barerra’s fistic benevolence. Also it will allow him to comfortably attain residency at precise locations and distances, from where he will execute economy of motion and land powerfully.
As much as I don’t like to predict against MAB my logic says Marquez wins this one by either KO or points.
Sergio Martinez - The Juan Manuel Marquez-Marco Antonio Barrera contest has the makings of a great fight as both of these Mexican hombres have a ton of pride and skills to match. Barrera, who is so multifaceted that no one really knows which version to expect, has said that he will got to war on Saturday. This game plan will backfire on the Mexican legend as Juan Manuel Marquez is possibly the best counter puncher of this generation and an all-time great in that same category. It will be a chess match early on with Marco winning a lot of the early stanzas. Juan Manuel will turn the bout midway with his precision punching and will stop Barrera late in what is sure to be a great boxing match.
Jose “OnFire” Aguirre – Juan Manuel Marquez by KO in 8.
Tom Donelson - Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez are both 33 and on the downside of their careers. While both fighters still have enough left for a great fight and still rank among the best, both fighters have seen their share of wars.
Marquez's advantages is that he is a well-schooled boxer and this is his opportunity to make a name ofr himself among Mexican fighters. But, Barrera is also well schooled fighter and Barrera is one of those fighters who’s been able to change his tactics over the years to reflect his opponent and age. Barrera has shown to be a excellent boxer in his own right and certainly can brawl if need be. That is what makes this a great fight.
The one thing that Marquez has in his favor is that he had a draw against Pacquiao whereas Pacquiao dominated Barrera. Marquez showed his ability in the Pacquiao fight, not just a great chin in surviving that disastrous first round, but he changed his game plan in the later rounds to produce a draw. And Marquez has been involved in fewer wars than Barrera and has a few more miles left in the tank.
And there is one final thing to consider. Barrera’ legacy among Mexican fans is already secure and Marquez has never able to gain the same following as either Morales or Barrera. One reason has been his boxing style, which resembled American movement as opposed to the go for broke brawling Mexican style.
For Marquez, this is his final opportunity to show Mexican fans that he deserves to be mentioned in the same breath with either Barrera or Morales when judging great Mexican fighters of this generation. Lose and the perception that he was just behind his fellow Mexican fighters would be reinforced. Win and his claim to greatness will be secure. From a legacy point of view, this fight means more to Marquez than Barrera. That is why I am giving Marquez the slight edge.
Larry Tornambe - Barrera's pride should carry him through the rough times that Marquez will present. Look for Berrera to come on late on his way to a decision win.
Mike Casey - Two wonderful fighters will step into the ring at the MGM for what should be a wonderful fight. We know that Marco Antonio and Juan Manuel are both blessed with great talent and courage and can overcome adversity. Marquez fought with incredible fire and courage in surviving a first round nightmare to take Manny Pacquiao to a draw. In this writer's opinion, Marquez should have been awarded the decision in that one.
The great Barrera seems eternal, yet both fighters, I feel, are now beginning to live on borrowed time. I just have a hunch that Barrera still has a couple of great fights left in him and is the superior talent of the two in all-round skill. A tough and uncompromising battle looks inevitable, quite possibly a real thriller.
The pick here is Barrera on a bruising unanimous decision or late TKO.
Jaime Estrada - The prediction is a flip of a coin in the air. I have to go with Juan Manuel Marquez and by KO.
Richard McManus - Barrera has the experience and skill to handle the technical prowess of Marquez but I think Marquez might take the cue from his brother and take the necessary chances to do what it takes to win here. Besides, for all his skill, it’s about time Marquez took some chances in the ring. If he freezes up here, he might not deserve another shot.
Marquez by Unanimous Decision
Troy Ondrizek – Juan Manuel Marquez by unanimous decision.
Alphonso Costello - Don’t expect a full-fledged blood and guts brawl to break out on Saturday night. It should be a tactical, skillful and counter-punching chess match. It’s a very even match-up, but I’m leaning toward Juan Manuel Marquez in this fight. Marco Antonio Barrera is slowly declining and he can no longer withstand the punishment of an all-out slugfest. If Barrera brawls with Marquez he will get knocked out. Marquez is a skilled counter-punching surgeon with fast hands. He should beat Barrera to the counter-punch.
Juan Manuel Marquez by decision.
Terence Dooley - For me Barrera is going to have a little too much for Marquez at this level. He will know how to pull the energy to punch out at the right time. As long as Marquez boxes his game Marco will be able to pace the fight.
There will be a lot of quality on show but Marco will win on points.
Eric Alan Rineer - I'm taking Juan Manuel Marquez in this fight, which should be a classic. You've got two champions squaring off, two warriors who have thrilled us time and time again. I think Marco Antonio Barrera has a slight edge in power. He could do a lot of damage early in the fight. He is still, at age 33, an extremely solid fighter but I believe he's up against a hungry and very determined Juan Manuel Marquez. Juan Manuel has wanted this fight for years and I believe he will take control of the fight in the latter stages of the bout. It should be very entertaining but I like Juan Manuel by a split-decision.
Adam Pollack - Not really sure who will win. Barrera at his best is clearly better than Marquez, who has never been all that great in the big one. That said, I think Marco is basically shot and has seen his better days. Marquez has been looking good lately, been taking more risks, and beating down his opponents more. More importantly, he has a lot more left in the tank of his career than does Marco. IF Marquez fights hard and at a fast pace, he can win. If he lays back and allows Marco to box, he loses a decision. My only other concern for this one is the big cut Marquez obtained in his last fight. If it re-opens, it could cause a premature termination.
Amy Green - Barrera will rise to the occasion and pull out the title win against Marquez. This won't be a dull battle, with the number one and number two Mexican warriors both bringing their best to claim the WBC super feather title. Barerra will earn the victory which means Marquez will be forced to re-evaluate his career and decide what road he and Nacho Beristain should take next.
Ron Gallegos - It seems that time and time again, Barrera has been written off especially following a lackluster performance such as that against Pacquiao. Who didn't feel he was done at that point. My own feelings were that all warriors no matter how great their skills, are finally vanquished by time and years in the ring. Barrera has had many long years of unsurpassed battles in the ring.
Two Mexican boxers with all the heart in the world, only one will get the nod and that's Barrera.
Ernest Gabion - Followed both fighters since the Forum Boxing days so as a big fan of both it is hard to pick against one or the other. However, I do like what Marco has done at 130 in terms of boxing and utilizing his skills. We have an unknown in terms of how Marquez will do at 130. Also, add in the factor that Marquez really hasn't gone over the top in big time fights and I see Barrera's experience being the factor. Barrera by unanimous decision.
TK Stewart - I don't think this will be that competitive of a fight. The bottom line is that Barrera is the best tactician in the game right now. His jab and movement are brilliant and he can handle an opponent who brawls or one that boxes.
Barrera is a great fighter while Marquez is a very good fighter and that will be the difference. Juan Manuel Marquez' tissue-paper like skin will probably begin to bleed during the Mexican national anthem. I think Barrera will handle any rushes that Marquez may offer up. Marquez' only chance is to force Barrera back and never give him a second of rest. Marquez is naturally cautious so I don't think he'll rush Barrera very often. I like Barrera and his left jab to win by stoppage because of cuts to Marquez' brittle skin. Probably somewhere around the seventh round.
Joe Harrison - This will be a great fight. Two great warriors who will do anything to win. I think Barrera is the better all-around boxer. This bout will go the distance with Barrera coming out on top. Barrera by unanimous decision.
John Hively - It's a tough fight to predict. Should go down to the wire. I like Barrera by a nose.
Paul Gallegos - This is going to be a good one. A real Mexican war with the entire country on the line. Barrera brings the experience, the people of DF and that X-factor that he always seems to have when it comes to this type of a fight. On the other side of the ring, Marquez is one of those guys who has the ability to adjust to an opponent's strengths or weakness' during the middle of fight or even a middle of a round. Marquez is also extremely crafty when it comes to the ability to control the pace of a fight.
Neither man has ever taken a backward step in a fight, even though both men have tasted defeat and the canvas before. I don't expect them to start fighting defensively now.
Marquez, despite the fact that Barrera will train his ass off for this one, is going to be too strong and too composed to let this one slip away. Marquez will even put Barrera down a couple of times before a seventh round stoppage.
The most interested person in the arena that night will be the Pacman who will be hoping that both men destroy each other.
Ronnie Nathanielsz - If Barrera keeps his word and fight like the Barrera of the Erik Morales trilogy then it should be a great fight and he should prevail. However, if he decides to fight the way he fought Rocky Juarez in their rematch then Marquez will have the edge but the bout could be a letdown.
I figure Barrera is a little too smart, hits a little too hard for Marquez to win but having said that one can never forget that is a master counter-puncher Marquez.
One thing for sure Golden Boy Promotions put up the next best thing to a Manny Pacquiao-Barrera rematch despite all of Bob Arum's claims that the fight would never happen. They deserve to be congratulated and hope Pacquiao gets by Jorge Solis and then takes on the winner. It should be a dandy.
Sammy Rozenberg - Marco Antonio Barrera by KO in 8 rounds.
James Blears - The dubious prize for the winner of this mouth and eye-watering clash will be a re-match against Manny Pacquiao.
A matching of Mexican might of this magnitude has all the hallmarks of being truly historic, if Marco and Juan Manuel decide to throw the boxing chessboard into the air and slug as well as jab, then it'll be a kitchen sink classic.
Marco has by far the greater experience at this rarefied championship level. That said, he's also had three wars with Erik Morales, undergone a fearful mauling from Manny Pacquiao and come through quite an ordeal with Rocky Juarez in their first encounter, not to mention the problems against Junior Jones. But he's also shown his technical versatility being able to hammer on the front foot or box on the back one. I'm very glad to see that Marco's finally gone back to the sloops of Big Bear to hone his body for an ordeal, which is going to be awesome.
Juan Manuel coped a lot better with the shockwave assault of Manny bouncing back thrice to force a well deserved draw, but that was another fight and styles make them. Juan will have to abandon his pot-shotting counter puncher style and go on the attack against Marco forcing the pace to a higher and draining tempo, which if successful could pay dividends as the fight wears on. When he's done this recently Juan's aggression has been successful, but it's also got him cut up quite badly and shown that his face is vulnerable to damage.
Marco is aging like a fine bottle of wine, but the fizz and crackle has gone out of his boxing. I believe that Juan Manuel is hungrier, appreciably quicker and ready to go for broke with an opportunity that has surprisingly presented itself and certainly won't come again.
If Juan can remain uncut and force the pace throughout, he'll come through the ordeal of fire to win a very hard fought unanimous decision. It promises to be one...or even "Juan" helluva fight, which will be talked about for ages, and has the potential to win fight of the year, at a canter.
Cliff Rold - Marquez has been in fewer wars and is a harder puncher. He also may be a hair faster. The way to beat Barrera hasn't changed: catch him coning in and get there first. I think Marquez will. Barrera is already going to the Hall; Marquez wants to get there. Look for Juan Manuel to carry the evening with a come from behind knockout in the final round.
Ronan Keenan - The fight could either be a tactical chess-match or a classic Mexican war. If its the former, expect Marquez to win a close but clear decision - he's a better technical boxer than Barrera is or ever was. In a war Marquez may just nick a decision - he's fresher and knows its his last shot at any form of greatness.
Rusty Rubin - Never count Barrera out, but I'll take the harder puncher, Marquez, by KO.
Rick Reeno - I don't think Barrera has enough left in the tank to fight an all-out war against Marquez. Barrera's strategy will be to box and conserve his energy for the later rounds. Unless Marquez has been hiding under a rock for the last year, he knows that in order to beat Barrera, he needs to attack early.
If Rocky Juarez would have stepped up the pace a few rounds earlier in his first meeting with Barrera, he would have likley won a decision that night. Because Juarez let Barrera control the pace for most of the early rounds, he was unable to pile up enough points in the late rounds to win.
Barrera barely had to break a sweat in the rematch because Juarez did nothing to push the fight. Marquez needs to push the fight and I expect him to push the fight. I look for Marquez to win a unanimous decision, or even stop Barrera in the late rounds.