This content is protected This content is protected [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] September 19, 2007 [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT] This content is protected [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Three time world champion Marco Antonio Barrera (63-5, 42KO) is preparing himself for his much anticipated showdown against Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao (44-3-2, 35KO) slated for October 6th from Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, NV. Dubbed Will to Win the twelve round war for the WBC international super featherweight title is the rematch of their 2003 bout were Pacquiao shocked Barrera and the boxing world as he stopped the Baby Faced Assassin in the 11th round. Barrera shares his thoughts on the future, his critics, and his friend Ricky Hatton in this candid one on one interview with Fightnews.com. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]First of all, as a partner in Golden Boy Promotions, how did you receive the news of the budding relationship with Top Rank and the result of the Pacquiao fight being made? [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Well, it did take some work; I know that Oscar was having trouble being open to it. We explained to him that the fans wanted this fight and not the rematch with Juan Manual Marquez and that is how this fight came to be. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]When we spoke last year you had mentioned that this was going to be your last year as a professional, does that still hold true? [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Yes, in fact, this is my last fight in this scale, a super fight. I want to have one or two more farewell fights, here in Guadalajara, which is like my second home and maybe in Las Vegas or Los Angeles to give thanks to all the fans that gave me their support, but those fights wont be of the scale as this one, as far as in promotion and as in opponent. That is why we are training very hard for this fight, like every good Mexican I have a thorn in my side from the last fight. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Has the idea of leaving the sport of boxing hit you or do you think those feelings will come later? [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Somewhat, I feel nostalgia in leaving this beautiful sport that has given me so much. I also feel happy because I was able to overcome so many challenges that I put for myself. I never would of dreamed of becoming a world champion and I was a three time world champion, I am very happy. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]After the criticism that you received after your fights with Juarez and your loss to Juan Manuel Marquez, how important is this fight for you?[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The criticism is always going to be there, no matter how well you perform; there are always critics so I have no qualms there. I am training to win this fight and there will be no excuses. Pacquiao is an excellent fighter and we are going to be ready for him. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Why did you decide to move your training camp from Big Bear or in fact a mountain setting to Guadalajara?[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]For one, Big Bear is very hot in this time of year and I felt that wouldnt be able to hold on to the weight there, I am not a natural super featherweight. I wanted to be near my family and enjoy this training camp. I see my kids go off to school, I train, I come back, and I meet them at home. I dont have to worry if my family needs anything or it they are ok, which helps. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Since your first fight with Pacquiao, he has turned into a phenomenon not only in the boxing world, but in the artistic and political arenas, do you think he is the same physically and mentally than when you faced him in 2003? [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Yes, he is an excellent fighter. He is very competitive. Since he beat me, he has taken the division by storm and we expect him at 100% for our fight. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In your first bout, you had some issues that could have been factors for a lack of concentration but now there is rumors that Pacquiao has some issues such as his decision to return to the Philippines to train, his political career and extracurricular activities, do you think they will make excuses if you win? [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In 2003, I didnt make excuses for my loss, he won. I never mentioned the things that were happening. We are training expecting the best Manny Pacquiao. I have been in this business long enough to know not to listen to rumors. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A lot of ringside critics believe that this will be an easy fight for Manny, but you have always been able to come on top in your most difficult challenges, do you think that experience is enough to win? [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Yes. As far as the critics, I would like for them to climb into a ring, because it is easier to write about fighting that it is actually doing it.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Do you see anything different in this fight? [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]No, nothing except for my will to win. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Is there a possibility for a rematch?[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]None at all, win, lose or draw, this is it for me. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Did you receive any disparagement for your support of Ricky Hatton versus Castillo?[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]No, at the contrary, I got a lot of support through my website. The boxing fans know that we have a long lasting friendship. I actually spoke to Castillo before the fight to let him know that I would be coming out with Hatton and there was no problem. Same thing happened with Linares, he has helped me at various camps of mine and I came out with him when he fought Chololo Larios but I spoke beforehand with Chololo. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Do you expect Hatton in your corner for the Pacquiao fight?[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]We are talking about it right now. I know he has his fight in early December but it looks like it is going to happen. Source: [/FONT][CODE]http://www.fightnews.com/leon43.htm[/CODE][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT]
