By Mark Vester

Rumblings are going around the industry over a possible return to the ring by Marco Antonio Barrera (63-6, 42KOs). Some of the rumblings were first revealed by boxing scribe Steve Kim, but after following up with more than one writer working the beat in Mexico, the rumors have circulated there as well.

The return is said to be a final farewell bout with Mzonke Fana. In 2005, Barrera destroyed Fana (27-3, 10KOs) in two rounds when they fought at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas. Since the loss to Barrera, Fana has been able to land on his feet. He's won five in a row and captured the IBF super featherweight title.

Barrera has lost two in a row, with the most recent defeat coming at the hands of Manny Pacquiao last October. After he lost his rematch with Barrera, he vowed to retire. It's not the first time Barerra has dangled with retirement and then staged a ring return.

Erik Morales, the career rival of Barrera, also vowed to retire last August after losing a close decision to WBC lightweight champion David Diaz. There were many who felt Morales did enough to win the decision. Morales, feeling a sense of robbery, would soon return to Mexico and demand a rematch with Diaz.

Morales' promoters, Top Rank, refused to put him back in the ring. Top Rank Head Bob Arum was quoted as saying that Morales complained of a ringing sensation in his head when hit by Diaz’s power punches. 

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