http://www.fightnews.com/brignone03.htm

Barrera: It will be toe-to-toe!

May 19, 2006

By Juan E. Brignone, Boxeo.org


Photo: Big Joe Miranda
WBC cuper featherweight champion and Mexican idol Marco Antonio Barrera is ready for his next title defense and he anticipates his fight this Saturday night against Ricardo Rocky Juarez, in the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA, will be a real "Mexican Style" war.

"I know Rocky very well and I know he is a very good boxer, with a hard punch. Surely, it will be an interesting fight for the fans, with many toe-to-toe exchanges. And this is the best thing I do," said the champion to Fightnews.com.

Why did you select Juarez for this fight?
I do not pick my opponents, my people do. But, I like Rocky's style, He is a terrific fighter.

How your training changed, when you were notified that your rival won't be Jesus Chavez?
Maybe nothing changed, because I never stopped my training. We worked at 3200 meters over sea level and we are in excellent form. Maybe the only change was in my menu (He laughs) Now I must weight 130 pounds and not 135.

How many fights you are planning to do in the super featherweight division?
I don't really know. I'm ready, but God decides. With Chavez, the opportunity was presented and we took it. But he had an injury, those types of things happen, and we resolved to still fight in the 130 pounds division. If another fight appears in the lightweight division, maybe I would take it.

And how many fights are left in your career?
Not many. We talk with Oscar (De La Hoya) about seven more fights. No more than that. But again, God has the last word.

In the press conference, Jorge Barrios targets you to fight against him. The same happened with Erik Morales, Humberto Soto and other boxers.
Yes, I heard them. I don't know why all these people want to hit me (He laughs). Really I don't decide but I'm ready for all of them.

What are your feelings about your fight Saturday fight?
I will win. I have no doubts about that. But I don't like to anticipate how. By points or by knockout, but I will triumph on Saturday.