Marco Antonio Barrera vs. Eusebio Pedroza at 126...Who Wins?

I think it plays like this...very close. I think Barrera closes stronger and pushes the fight in the later stages, carrying the rounds.

 

Pedroza was known for accelerating in the later stages of his fights. It's one of the reasons why I think he's one of the few featherweights capable of beating Sanchez in fantasy match-ups.

If MAB were to win this, it would be due to the fact that he was able to bank enough early rounds to withstand the late charge.

 

the thing is though, when Pedroza goes at it late, he's not going to be hurting Barrera in any way that is going to end the fight, and Barrera doesn't have stamina issues in scenarios like that, he's perfectly fine going at it late as he showed many times with Morales etc. If a war ensues in the later stages I would bet on Barrera getting the better of it, I still see it how I initially said myself. Battle of jabs early, Pedroza the better technical man getting the better of it albeit in a close nature. Heavy artillery attle later on, Barrera taking it.

 

True points. That was how Pedroza fought...I just see the Barrera and Pedroza fight looking somewhat similar to the Olivares fight, but with Barrera being much sharper than Olivares was at that time. It was a shame Sanchez and Pedroza never fought...I would lean towards Sanchez (slightly) to take it.

 

I would take Sanchez too, Sanchez was one of the finest featherweights ever h2h for me

 

Yep...for me too.
Such a sharp counter puncher in exchanges. He'd beat Barrera, Morales, and Marquez IMO.:good

 

So would Azumah.

 

I agree.

 

Marco wasn't peak at 126 imo, but given the difference in eras and crossing over the weigh in day change. I think it's fair to send in a Barrera from 122 as he'd be 126 on fight night.

That being said, Pedroza showed a few weaknesses with what Barrera did best. El Alacran would have to be at his best to overcome what Marco has to offer. The aggressive counter punching, the swarming and sheer physical pressure of Barrera would really one up what Lockridge did. I don't think Pedroza has the power/strength to keep Barrera off him, just the skill. Marco's normal strategy of a vicious assault to the body and making and exploiting openings is very good strategy for beating Eusebio imo.

Pedroza showed he could beat or at least, massively trouble this style against Lockridge when he figured that he needs to stay off the ropes and dictating range with his jab. His headbutts and borderline low-blows thrown in for good measure, I think this strategy would work against Barrera, but only partially, Barrera was levels above Lockridge. Pedroza would still have a high amount of success doing this despite losing more rounds.

I'm picking Barrera by decision over 12, and Pedroza over 15, can't see either getting stopped in this one. I've also not finished watching Pedroza yet though. I know a split answer is sorta copping out but... sue me.

Seems like one for @IntentionalButt, tbh.

 

Pedroza by decision.