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After hearing the recent announcement of Marco Antonio Barrera’s intentions of moving up in weight to face IBF lightweight champion Jesus Chavez, I could only wonder if the move is a wise career choice for Barrera.
Prior to his third meeting with Erik Morales, Barrera admitted that 130 pounds was above his natural fighting weight and he was better suited for 126 pounds. Since the move to 130, Barrera has managed to capture two out of the three major championships in the division. Currently the WBC and IBF lightweight champion, Barrera is making an unnecessary move to uncharted waters.
Some fans may look at this move and think that it’s only a 5-pound difference between the weight classes, but 5 pounds in boxing makes a world of difference. Take Erik Morales for example, a fighter who imposed his will, skill and more importantly his size on opponents for most of his career. That is until he decided to move up to 135 pounds and challenge what he thought would be an easy fight in Zahir Raheem.
Raheem was thrown in the bout as a stepping stone for Morales on route to an anticipated rematch with Manny Pacquiao in January. What Morales found out by the first round was that at 135 pounds, he no longer possessed the power and strength advantage that won him so many big fights from 122 to 130 pounds. Besides losing his pop, Morales was also much slower with his hands and the added weight affected his movement. If not for Morales’ iron chin and Raheem’s lack of power, we might of seen Erik get knocked out for the first time in his career as Raheem at various points of the fight was landing at will. [details]
Prior to his third meeting with Erik Morales, Barrera admitted that 130 pounds was above his natural fighting weight and he was better suited for 126 pounds. Since the move to 130, Barrera has managed to capture two out of the three major championships in the division. Currently the WBC and IBF lightweight champion, Barrera is making an unnecessary move to uncharted waters.
Some fans may look at this move and think that it’s only a 5-pound difference between the weight classes, but 5 pounds in boxing makes a world of difference. Take Erik Morales for example, a fighter who imposed his will, skill and more importantly his size on opponents for most of his career. That is until he decided to move up to 135 pounds and challenge what he thought would be an easy fight in Zahir Raheem.
Raheem was thrown in the bout as a stepping stone for Morales on route to an anticipated rematch with Manny Pacquiao in January. What Morales found out by the first round was that at 135 pounds, he no longer possessed the power and strength advantage that won him so many big fights from 122 to 130 pounds. Besides losing his pop, Morales was also much slower with his hands and the added weight affected his movement. If not for Morales’ iron chin and Raheem’s lack of power, we might of seen Erik get knocked out for the first time in his career as Raheem at various points of the fight was landing at will. [details]
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