Barrera surprised by Marquez’s victory

BOXING legend Marco Antonio Barrera was mobbed by fans and sportswriters upon his arrival Friday for the Pinoy Pride XVII official weigh-in, a testament to the Mexican’s popularity and charisma among Filipino boxing fans.

Barrera gave a short press conference before the start of the weigh-in at the SM Events Centre where the three division world champion thanked ALA Promotions for inviting him. He also heaped praise on the boxing-crazy host city.

Barrera told this writer during the Q and A session that his fight against Kennedy McKinney in 1996 which ended in a hard fought 12th round TKO win for the Mexican was his finest hour inside the ring.

“That was my greatest fight. The three fights with Erik Morales were hard. But the McKinney fight was my best performance,” Barrera said.

SURPRISED BY MARQUEZ WIN OVER PACMAN

He also expressed surprise over Juan Manuel Marquez’s knockout win over Manny Pacquiao saying the former did not do anything new in training. “He used the same punches. I cannot explain it.”

Barrera then gamely posed for photos with fans and local boxers lucky enough to be present at the event.

Barrera would meet the Cebu sportswriters again for a dinner presscon at the Parklane Hotel. Before dinner was started, a video tribute to the legendary champion, with highlights of his great fights was shown on the large screen.

He answered more questions and gave a brief tribute to Pacquiao when asked to comment about their first encounter. “It was a tough fight, but I know I lost to the best of the best.”

Barrera said he still gives Pacquiao the edge over Marquez, having a draw and winning two fights even if Marquez did have a dramatic knockout win in the fourth fight. He believes that Pacquiao can fight again if he is cleared by doctors and undergoes all the necessary brain scans.

Barerra was stopped in 11 rounds by Pacquiao in 2003 and lost by unanimous decision in their rematch in 2007. Barrera lost to Marquez by by unanimous decision also in 2007.

Barrera was the Mexican television commentator at ringside during last night’s WBO light flyweight title fight between Donnie Nietes and Moises Fuentes. His brother Jorge Barrera, is Fuentes’ cornerman.

Barrera said he would gladly return to Cebu if he is invited again. /Correspondent Rene Bonsubre Jr.