I've said many times here that Marco is my all time #2.He was one of the few boxers who I was able to really follow their career at world level and although I know some people don't hold him in the same regard I do,I've always said it was more a personal choice than a scientific conclusion. But I'm a bit worried about him.I had a wonderful time at one of those "evening with" meals a couple months back,and I know if he was really skint he would be taking **** fights,but isn't he a bit young to be doing these dinners? The reason I'm asking is because I saw an ad in Boxing News last week for a signing and photo op only somewhere in the South of England.He said he would come back if he got the right offer,and I know he's still got his gym and is probably far from bankrupt,but I feel he's too young to be doing so many of these signing events and can't help feel there's something more to it.Most of the legends who do these circuits have been retired a good while before they start the dinner and signing events. Thanks for looking.
I don't think there's any real reason to worry. Well I hope not anyway. If somebody offered you loads of cash just for signing a few autographs, taking photos and making a speech I think you would say yes. :good
When you've been in the kind of fights Barrera has been in the shadow that still exists of the once great Muhammed Ali probably hangs heavy on your mind when considering getting back in the ring again. Signing events while his name is still hot makes sense, he'll always get audiences in his home town and the states but maybe around Europe his name will fade quicker to people who aren't hardcore into the sport so probably best to hit there while he can.
I suppose so,but can you see why I think it's a bit early for him to be at this stage? You're probably right though.I know I went along to the night and came home about £290 lighter,but it just doesn't seem right. Just a gut feeling.
No. No one understands why you are worried about a boxer doing signing events instead of fighting until they are punch drunk and broke and then doing them.
True, Barrera is also one of my favorite fighters and im glad he knew when to retire. Nothing worse than seeing one of your favorites past his prime getting ****ed up by a fighter in his prime. Especially when he has a metal plate in his head.
He's getting a truck-load of money smiling for photographs, signing bits of paper and hanging out with people that adore him.....and you're worred about him? Lol Don't worry mate, he's not broke or anything. He's a smart man from a smart family. He's pretty comfortable in his retirement, me thinks. He also commentates regularly in Mexico. Not to mention, he's a got a law degree, right?
Isn't he a qualified lawyer or accountant? You would expect him to have something between his ears with regards to money management and financial accumen....
Your concern is legitimate, but as people say, he's got enough fall-backs (family financial stability, commentating) that we can say these probably aren't the signs of a broke fighter. If anything, I think it's just a sign that he's chosen to retire and is comfortable with living life outside the ring, which is important.
Think of the stories Barrera has to tell from his long and storied career, it makes sense to do dinner stuff. Dude's too clever to keep taking on hard fights when he can live off of the bank interest from his big fights and still get cash talking and signing autographs...and this also keeps him straight in the limelight.
It did/does concern me when Morales keeps coming back for big fights...though when you look at the Maidana fight you realise to a certain extent he's still got it all in the ring.