Barrera outclasses Juarez

By Scott Shaffer

17/09/2006

Barrera outclasses Juarez

Marco Antonio Barrera W12 Rocky Juarez... Marco Antonio Barrera added another chapter to his legendary career, defeating Rocky Juarez in Las Vegas on Saturday. Barrera, the genuine world champion of the 130-pound division, won his rematch against Juarez much more decisively than than their first meeting in May, which Barrera got by split decision. Unfortunately, the bout was more reminiscent of his win over Robbie Peden rather than the epic battles for which Barrera will undoubtedly be enshrined in the International Boxing Hall of Fame. The win demonstrated why Barrera is still at the top of his game after 17 years in the sport: he only goes to war when he has to. This time, he was able to dictate and control a measured pace against his younger opponent, and Barrera stayed within that framework to win a unanimous decision by scores of 117-111 and 115-113 (twice). The bout did not appear as close as the two 115-113 cards.  Juarez, now 25-2, experienced swelling around his eye in the fifth round and it appeared to hamper his ability to avoid Barrera's jab. Whatever the reason, Juarez was never able to force Barrera out of his comfort zone. The bout did not live up to the high expectations created by the first Barrera-Juarez meeting, but overall, the quality of the bouts on the pay-per-view show was nothing short of superb. Barrera's career record now stands at 63-4 and if Manny Pacquiao gets by Erik Morales, Barrera's chance to avenge his last loss looms as perhaps the final megafight of his career. source: HBO PPV