The pride of Mexico will be on the line when Marco Antonio Barrera takes on Juan Manuel Marquez for the WBC Super Featherweight title live from The Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada. Two of the divisions’ great fighters square off in a fight that Mexican boxing fans have been eagerly anticipating for a long time. Up next for the winner: A chance at a mega-fight with Manny Pacquiao later this year.
Barrera (46-3-1, 35 KO’s) has been pleasing boxing fans around the world for years. A future Hall of Famer, Barrera first made his mark in the boxing world in 1995 when he won the WBO Super Bantamweight title over then champion Daniel Jimenez. He became most famous for his violent bouts against Erik Morales, earning a victory in two of their three fights. He would meet his match in 2003, earning his first TKO loss of his career from the hands of Manny Pacquiao, a defeat he’s yet to redeem. But he now has that opportunity to meet again with Pacquiao, with Juan Manuel Marquez the only obstacle in his way. He showed that he could change styles, and can box his way to victory, which is exactly what he did against Rocky Juarez. Fans and experts don’t expect a casual boxing match tonight from Barrera, they expect an all out war between two great fighters.
Marquez (46-3-1, 35 KO’s) is just as respected as the great Barrera. Since his lopsided loss to Freddie Norwood back in 1999, Marquez has been near perfect. In 2004, he went toe-to-toe in a tremendous fight with Manny Pacquiao. After being knocked down three times in the first round, Marquez came back, and dominated the rest of the fight, earning a draw against the heavy hitting Filipino. Last year, he flew to Indonesia to take on undefeated Featherweight Chris John. Unfortunately, he would fly back home to Mexico with another loss and his WBA Featherweight title around the waist of Chris John. Juan Manuel Marquez looks to make last push toward a championship glory tonight. More of a fighter than a boxer, Marquez will look to be aggressive and control the fight.
It’s going to be a great night of boxing. Make sure to catch the under card, as Demetrius Hopkins takes on Steve Forbes for the USBA Light Welterweight title. Demetrius is the nephew of Bernard. Super Bantamweight Daniel Ponce De Leon and Gerry Penalosa fight for the WBO/IBA Super Bantamweight titles.
Tune in tonight live at 9pm ET/6 pm PT live on HBO PPV live from the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
