Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
‘Baby-Faced Assassin’ poised to end glittering career
Seven-time world champion Marco Antonio Barrera has exclusively told WBN that he is on the brink of retirement after a frustrating period waiting for the right offer for his next bout.
The 38 year-old, who has claimed world titles in three weight divisions in a stellar 23-year career, has been out of the ring for almost two years since defeating Jose Arias in Jalisco, Mexico and has received no feasible offers to extend on his 75 pro outings.
Barrera had hoped for a high-profile rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez, and for a while was linked to a fourth bout with Erik Morales. Nothing concrete has managed to be finalized though and the Mexican legend has admitted that he is becoming more and more distant from the sport in his time away.
“There are many great fighters around at the lower weights like (Juan Manuel) Marquez, (Adrien) Broner, Danny Garcia, Nonito (Donaire) and (Brian) Viloria, although I don’t have anyone special in mind,” Barrera exclusively told World Boxing News.
“I was waiting for a good offer but nothing good ever materialized and I kind of lost interest.
“The more time that passes the less I feel like fighting,” he confirmed.
Advisor and friend Scott Anthony then elaborated on the comments by Barrera and went as far as stating that the end of the popular fighter’s title-laden career could come as soon as next spring if nothing crops up.
“We had been training for several different opponents at different times over the last three years,” Anthony explained to WBN.
“We have had many offers, but for one reason or another (mostly money) none of then ever happened. We even sat down with Frank Warren for a bout with Burns in the UK and we then offered (through Goldenboy) for Burns to come to the America and Frank turned it down. We have almost closed a few potentially great match ups but ultimately they never happened.
”I know that Marco would love to get it on a few more times as he is fit and very healthy but the deal/fight must motivate him and after 75 pro bouts it is hard to get motivated.
“I think a rematch with Marquez would get him in the gym, but If he doesn't get an offer in the next six months he will hang them up.”