Former three-division champion Marco Antonio Barrera of Mexico claimed the second-largest pension payout from California this week, collecting $158,898 in what state regulators hope will trigger an onslaught of additional claims from Mexican fighters just learning of the fund.
“It’s like I’m the guy from ‘Brewster’s Millions.’ I’m here to hand out money,” California State Athletic Commission Executive Officer Andy Foster told BoxingScene while announcing Barrera’s claim.
Barrera, 51, fought 15 times in California, frequently taking bouts at the former Great Western Forum – home of the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers – in the 1990s before returning from his famed loss to Manny Pacquiao to defeat Paulie Ayala in a 2004 bout at the Home Depot Center in Carson, then successfully defending his WBC super-featherweight belt against Rocky Juarez at Staples Center in Los Angeles in 2006.
“He knew he was entitled to some money, but thought it was like $5,000,” said Barrera’s son, Marco Antonio Barrera Santana, 23. “He was surprised he had that much, and will definitely put it in the college savings of my three siblings.”
Best known for his epic trilogy with countryman Erik Morales, his dismantling of Prince Naseem Hamed and his two bouts with Pacquiao, Barrera often contributes broadcast work at major bouts, and the hope is that he can use that megaphone to encourage those who’ve fought in California to check on their status.
In addition to discussing his situation and planning to point fighters to the commission on his boxing talk show on YouTube, Barrera calls fights for Televisa and UFC Fight Pass.
On the California State Athletic Commission website, lists of pension-eligible fighters who are at least 50, have fought 10 rounds a year in California for four years (with no more than a three-year break) and have fought 75 scheduled pro rounds in California (also without a three-year break) are posted.
Many of the fighters on the late and current claimant lists (attached below) are Latino, a situation that begs for advocacy by those with reach to Spanish-speaking former fighters.
“It’s on the individual and those who have worked with fighters over the years,” veteran advisor Sean Gibbons said. “This is money these fighters could use.”
