Marco Antonio Barrera was the most skilled fighter of his era

He was and I'm pretty confident in saying that. Far from the most physically gifted fighter of his generation. He wasn't the strongest, fastest, busiest, toughest or quickest, but man he was skilled.

He could stalk you and walk you down. He could brawl with you. He could fight off the backfoot, moving forwards, sideways, etc. He could counter, he could block, he could time and pace.

He was equally adept with the right hand and the left hand. The left had more power, but the right was sharp, crisp and accurate and if landed flush stopped most fighters from walking forward.

Hard to find a better body puncher than him during the 2000s. Hard to find a more versatile fighter than him during the 2000s.

His work in the pocket surpasses anybody from his era. Look at how fluid and comfortable he was with his combinations. It was so effortless.

Look at how he slowed the workrate against Hamed. He countered him, he parried him. He stalked him.

 

That was before Barreras prime. And zones rehydrate 139 pounds. It was like Gatti Gamache basically. Unfair.

 

Before 2000 Barrera had 1 meaningful fight and that was Mckinney. His entire career basically happened 2000-2004.

 

Because you say so?

Barrera had 1 notable fight until 2000. Then he ran into a 122 pounder who rehydrated to 139 pounds and got outsized.

 

Barrera became much more highly regarded after the first Morales fight and then was the most respected little man in the world after outboxing Hamed. That's when the hype actually started getting backed up.

 

I agree that his style transformation was impressive. I do believe the more calculated MAB was the better fighter. But regardless he could still brawl.

Its hard to find a weakness he had.

 

Pac and Morales were the best fighters he fought though.

He's likely trouble by them at any point in his career. Especially by Pacquiao.

But I get your idea.