Official parting with the ring of the great Marco Antonio Barrera (67-7, 44 KOs) came in February 2011 when he scored a quick victory over Jose Arias (17-2, 11 KOs). However, the Mexican still continues to participate in exhibition fights.
In June, the former three-weight division champion fought Jesus Soto Karass
“This is a show and we don't have to do weight, so I'm calm,” Barrera said with a smile. "I was motivated by Teresa Tapia (wife of the late Johnny - Barrera's former rival), who contacted me and asked if I could help their Johnny Tapia Foundation. It inspired me to show fights."
“I feel butterflies in my stomach called fear. Every boxer feels them before entering the ring. I can feel them, but it will be just a great fight. There will be a few hits that we will miss, but otherwise I'm very happy. I miss many aspects of boxing. Leaving the locker room before the duel, people, music, fans shouting. This is something I cannot forget and will miss."
“Of course, I didn’t train as hard as when my career was going on. I sparred twice and am still in pain after that. I used to train in pairs for twelve rounds every day, but now we don't, so it's a little easier."
Barrera, 47, came close to crossing gloves (also in a show fight format) with his eternal rival, Eric Morales (52-9, 36 KOs), with whom he now hosts a podcast called Un Round Mas (One Round more), and in the past they have met three times, and Barrera has twice celebrated the victory.
“These were very close fights. We already had contracts signed, but Morales contracted the coronavirus twice, then he injured his knee and something was wrong with his back. There were a lot of excuses, so we finally gave it up, but hopefully this fight will eventually take place someday. And if we succeed, then probably already next year.”
