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Marko BarreraBoxer
Date of Birth: 17.01.1974
Country:  Mexico |
Content:
Biography of Marco Antonio Barrera
Marco Antonio Barrera, born on March 22, 1989, is a professional boxer from Mexico. He began his boxing career at the age of 15 after an impressive amateur career that included 56 wins, 4 losses, and 0 draws. Barrera made his professional debut in the flyweight category against David Felix, winning by technical knockout in the second round.
Early Professional Career
Following his successful debut, Barrera focused on establishing an impressive fighting record and a high knockout percentage. He knocked out 12 of his first 16 opponents and then faced Josepino Suarez in a bout for the Mexican Super Flyweight title on April 1, 1992. Barrera won the title by unanimous decision in his hometown of Mexico City. He successfully defended his title five times before having the opportunity to fight for the vacant NABF title on August 28, 1993. Barrera defeated Eduardo Ramirez by split decision to win his second championship.
In 1994, Barrera became the number one contender and was offered a fight against Carlos Salazar for the chance to challenge the current super flyweight champion. However, Barrera failed to make weight for the fight. Despite this, the fight still took place, and Barrera won by split decision in 12 rounds.
World Titles
Barrera's first shot at a world title came on March 31, 1995, against WBO Super Bantamweight champion Daniel Jimenez. Barrera controlled the entire fight and won by unanimous decision. He successfully defended his title four times, all of which ended in knockouts against his opponents.
In the following year, Barrera defended his title three more times before facing Junior "Poison" Jones in two epic battles. The first fight for the WBO title took place in Tampa on November 22. Barrera was leading on points after four rounds, but Jones delivered a devastating blow that knocked Barrera down. Although Barrera managed to get up, he was still in a dazed state, and another punch from Jones sent him back to the canvas. Concerned for his fighter's well-being, Barrera's cornermen jumped into the ring, resulting in a victory for Jones by technical knockout.
Five months later, on April 18, 1997, Barrera sought redemption in a rematch against Jones in Las Vegas. Barrera was well-prepared and in excellent shape, but Jones looked stronger in the final rounds, ultimately winning by unanimous decision. Barrera returned to the ring on February 21, 1998, against Angelo Rosario, winning by technical knockout in the fifth round.
Barrera's next two opponents before fighting for the vacant WBO title also ended up on the canvas. On October 31, 1998, Barrera defeated Richie Wenton with strong hooks and explosive combinations to win the WBO Super Bantamweight title. He successfully defended the title twice, defeating Paul Lloyd by technical knockout in the first round and Pastor Marino by split decision.
Barrera vs. Morales
On February 19, 2002, Barrera faced Erik Morales in a highly anticipated fight for the WBC/WBO titles. The fight was intense, with both fighters bloody but unwilling to give up. In the end, Morales won by split decision in a fight that was later named the Fight of the Year. However, the WBO made an unprecedented decision - despite the loss, they allowed Barrera to retain the WBO title. Barrera's next challengers were less formidable, with Luis Freitas being knocked out in the sixth round and Jose Valbuena losing by unanimous decision.
On December 1, 2001, Barrera faced a tough opponent in Jesus Salud, but Salud could only last until the sixth round before being stopped by technical knockout. On April 7, Barrera met Naseem Hamed, a chance to prove himself as the best pound-for-pound fighter. Barrera could not afford to lose in his hometown, and despite Hamed's previous unbeaten record, Barrera won by unanimous decision.
After this victory, fate brought Barrera face-to-face with Morales once again. This time, the judges favored Barrera, and the undefeated Morales suffered his first defeat in 42 fights.
