Morales-Barrera III: A Preview.

What is it that defines a fighter? Sometimes a fighter is defined by his achievements, sometimes he is defined by an outstanding fight-or fights-he has participated in, sometimes he is defined by an opponent, someone who brought out the best in him, someone who mixed with him to elicit a

sense of euphoria within the crowd. And sometimes, every once in a while, he is defined by all three. Both Erik “El Terrible’ Morales and “The Baby Faced Assassin’ Marco Antonio Barrera fall into that rare category. Due to their many achievements, they will both go down as legends regardless of the outcome this Saturday. It is still true, however, that they will go down in history almost as a twosome. In the future, people will find it hard to speak of one without mentioning the other in the same breath; however, given that they can’t stand each other, neither fighter is likely to be thrilled with that fact. On that rather sour note, let’s look forward to this Saturday’s “rubber match.’

Where does one begin on such an illimitable topic? The beginning, being the high point of their vast history, seems like the logical choice. Indeed, had it not been for that first fight, I wouldn’t be writing for you good people. Although, whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing is highly debatable. Yes, that first fight was the clincher. I had always maintained an interest in boxing, but that fight was something of an inspiration. Never before had I seen such energy, such excitement and such unflinching desire in a boxing ring. Both fighters stood toe-to-toe, neither giving an inch, solely because they would not give their opponent the satisfaction of backing them up for one second. Will we ever see anything like it again? Not in my opinion. Unfortunately, the fight ended in controversy due to a poor decision by the judges. Morales took home the victory that most felt Barrera deserved. The rematch was, of course, inevitable.

To say the second fight was a letdown would be a massive understatement. Had the first fight never happened, it would have been a fairly decent fight to watch. Unfortunately for the sequel, the first fight did happen and as a consequence, the sequel went down like a lead balloon. Again, the fight was marred by controversy. Barrera this time taking home the victory that most felt Morales deserved.

So what should we expect from the conclusion to this trilogy? Well, history tells us that the third fight of a trilogy surpasses the second fight comfortably, but just falls short of the original. Take Ali-Frazier, Gatti-Ward and Bowe-Holyfield as examples of this trend. The run up to this fight has hardly been free of controversy either. Many thought the fight wouldn’t take place, as rumors circulated that the fight had been cancelled. Barrera also neglected to turn up to a recent press conference with Morales, much to the dismay of the promoters. As far as picking a winner, I would have to lean towards Morales, at least on current form. Barrera has fought just once since he was mauled by Manny Pacquiao last November, stopping the battle-hardened Paulie Ayala. Hardly ideal preparation for many people’s pound-for-pound number one. Of course, you would be a fool to write off Barrera. He was written off in the first fight, dismissed as long shot and a fighter past his best after he lost twice to Junior Jones. He now finds himself in the same position, albeit four years older.

We have come full circle as the trilogy nears its climax. The end of an era is nigh and it may well turn out be Barrera’s farewell fight. Why analyze the fight any more? Let’s just tune in this Saturday and enjoy witnessing two legends go toe-to-toe for the last time. Who knows, maybe this will be the fight that inspires another casual young boxing fan.

James MacDonald can be reached at ac009b5460@blueyonder.co.uk