EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA

Marco Antonio Barrera joins Boxingtalk once again, and gives us this EXCLUSIVE interview to answer all of the questions concerning an eventual rematch with Manny Pacquiao and much more. Marco also has a messgae for Manny Pacquiao's Philippine fans, and to his devoted Mexican fans as well.

BT - Marco first of all thank you very much for spending some time with Boxingtalk.com, it's an honor to have you with us.

MAB - On the contrary, thank you very much for the invitation, it's a pleasure to be here.

BT - Marco you were cruising right along with training camp getting prepared for Jesus Chavez, and boom, he gets hurt and now you are back to the drawing board.

MAB - Well at first Brad it didn't hit me all that well, and then all of the sudden it hit me that it was a big blow. We were 3 weeks into abandoning camp, and heading for the fight. We understand this is a sport of contact and it's something all of us are exposed to. At this point, we just wish Jesus Chavez a fast recovery, and all of the best.

BT - What can you tell us about possibly fighting Rocky Juarez in your next fight?

MAB - Well this is the first time I have heard this Brad. I have not been told about this, but if this is what my promoters are working on we are ready. regardless of who the name is, we know that they will prepare themselves to get ready to really come after me, and this is what motivates me to prepare myself not at 100 percent, but 200 percent.

BT - Marco your team received a letter from the WBC concerning the Mandatory. What are you wishes concerning a fight with Manny Pacquiao?

MAB - Well first Brad I want to see what is going to happen, as you mentioned Rocky Juarez, I never like to side-step an opponent, or look over an opponent. If Rocky Juarez is next, than our attention goes to Rocky Juarez, or whoever the next opponent is going to be. If not, and Manny Pacquiao is my next fight, then I welcome it. If it happens to be after my next fight, then we will sit down an discuss it afterward, but right now it's the fight on hand.

BT - Marco, Manny Pacquiao fans, and I mean all of them would like to know why it's taken so long for a Manny Pacquiao vs Marco Antonio Barrera rematch to happen, why so long?

MAB - Well Brad, he became a big star, a big name in boxing and everybody wanted to fight him, it was due to conflicting schedules. First he had the rematch with Erik Morales, and now they are talking about a third fight. It's always been something on my mind, we have had a career that has paralleled to his for the last 3 yrs, it is something I feel obligated, to give the people this fight, and it looks like it's getting closer.

BT - Marco, Erik Morales is the X factor here. If for some reason Erik chose not to exercise his rematch clause with Manny Pacquiao, are you ready to immediately step up and fight Manny Pacquiao?

MAB - Everything is always possible in this sport, right now I am waiting to see what my promoters will tell me is next. If it is Rocky Juarez we go 100 percent with our concentration on that, and when the moment comes, then we will be able to discuss the second fight with Manny Pacquiao, but all with it's moment.

BT - Last time we talked, you talked about the thorn left in your side by Manny Pacquiao. How deep is that thorn? and how bad do you want to restore the foothold that the Mexican fighters used to have on this division?

MAB - Well Brad, very committed, very committed. This division is hot with top fighters, many good fighters. It's very important to restore this, and that is why I will dedicate myself 100%.

BT - Marco in closing please talk to you Mexican fans, and talk to The Philippine fans out there.

MAB - To My Mexican fans thank you very much for your support. To The Philippine fans I want to send them a special hello, and I want to tell them that Manny Pacquiao is a great champion, and hopefully in the near future we will have the second fight with Manny Pacquiao.

BT - Marco, thank you very much I look forward to talking to you soon.

MAB - Brad on the contrary, anytime we get your invitation we will be here on Boxingtalk.com