ATG: Who Ranks Higher? Barrera or Nelson?

Barrera's very underrated all time, amazing technician, warrior and ring general. Hes fought some of the best of all time around his weight. His world championship reign stretches 11years and 25world title fights. Importantly he beat the naturally bigger Morales 2 out of 3, and 3 times for my money as the first was a robbery, had him beating Marquez too, which was way past his prime, he also came closer in Pacquaio 2 than given credit for. Then theres the massive Hamed win, which was truly huge, then Mkkinney, Tapia and Ayala for good measure not to mention other very good contenders. Pacquaio and Jones proved to be kryptonite when he wasnt at his best but I don't think that should be held against him too much, especially as he wasn't at his best against either and arguably still edged Jones in the rematch.

So yes I voted Barrera, very different types of fighter

 

I have Barrera 4 places ahead of Nelson in my top 100.

 

So Barrera beat Morales 3 times, Marquez once, almost beat Pac the 2nd time, wasnt at his best for his defeats to Jones in the late 90s or the 1st Pac fight in 03 & arguably won the 2nd Jones fight ?

You need help.


Ps. The only FULL fights Ive seen of Nelson are Sanchez & Whitaker, Ive seen plenty of highlights but not enough.

 

I have to go with Nelson he won a lot of his battles with only one arm and one eye.Its significant there is no statue to Barrera in Mexico.

 

I wouldnt hold my breath for one either, I hear a **** load of Mexicans dont respect him, they think he is boring & far too safety 1st, afraid to take too many punches & never takes a risk.

Certainly true for the majority of this decade it must be said.

 

I think Barrera is a 'rich kid' (well not RICH but rich in terms of how some Mexican boxers have been brought up) so I think people disrespect him for that.

I have Barrera only a few places above Nelson in my list.....Barrera just about scrapes the top 50 in fact. Underrated, the Hamed victory (although not in his prime, Naz was still an undefeated K.O machine, hard to read, champion for years) lifts him above Nelson in my book, who doesn't have that brilliant victory to make him one of the GOAT, but a series of very good wins and a loss agaisnt his best opponent (whilst admittedly green)

 

Marco Antonio Barrera's career demands universal respect. He is a living legend, and just because he chose to box his opponents ears off as opposed to mauling them, taking unnecessary shots in the process, is a credit to Marco's versatility.

 

Nelson's victories against Fenech and Gomez impressed me more than any one victory or performance of Barrera's. I shudder to think what Nelson would have done to Hamed.

 

Gomez was never a Featherweight.

I think P4P, Morales is way higher than Fenech and Barrera beat him twice.

 

Maybe, but I'd bet nearly everything I had that Fenech would have laid a beating on Morales and Barrera if he fought them in his prime.

 

I disagree.

I think Erik beats him up at 122, and Barrera outboxes him at 126.

 

I disagree as well. I think both would have beaten Fenech.

 

I do think Nelson's victory over Fenech was a decent one. I don't necessarily agree that Nelson would've destroyed Hamed, I think he would've won a PTS decision but once he had settled into his FW days (i.e after the Sanchez fight where he took the fight to him from the opening bell) Nelson was a more well-paced, controlled boxer-puncher and I think Naz could've won some of the early rounds, and would always be dangerous due to his power. Naz also had a very good chin which would see him survive but no doubt Nelson would be piling it on in the later rounds.

I think Fenech would give Morales and Barrera a very good fight at 122. He had more pop (or less hand injuries) there then in his FW days and I think Morales and Barera would've come away with close, maybe even disputed decisions. Would've been very exciting fights no doubt.

So, I'm sticking to my original analysis, Barrera, JUST, above Nelson.

 

Nelson>Barrera

And I agree with SS that Fenech would've beaten either Morales or Barrera at 122.