This weekend fight fans will be blessed with yet another reason to thank our neighbors south of the border.  Mexico has given birth to some of the greatest fighters to enter the pro ranks, and this Saturday Marco Antonio Barrera ‘The Baby Faced Assassin’ will battle fellow countryman Erik ‘El Terrible’ Morales. 

Barrera and Morales have squared off twice previously, and to the delight of all in attendance, the two Mexican warriors gave showings of strength, endurance, skill, and emotion.  Their first encounter was nothing short of emotionally moving, a winner of Fight of the Year.  Their second encounter was another showing of pure heart, determination, and the fighting Mexican spirit that defines both fighters. 

This third fight has been termed the last.  Both fighters have stated that this will be the ‘end game.’  Each fighter has a win from their previous two encounters making this a winner take all showdown.  There are several key components coming into this fight that make calling this fight a cloudy occasion.  Morales is fresh off of his win over the tough Carlos 'El Famoso' Hernandez; having just moved up to the 130 lbs. division, Morales seems comfortable at this weight.  He is known for his solid footwork, great heart, and a solid punch, although his punching power has diminished some since moving up in weight.  He is taller and lankier than Barrera, who I expect will not be as comfortable at the heavier weight. 

Morales put on a boxing clinic in his fight with Hernandez.  Using good movement and angles, he was able to easily outclass Hernandez.  This will not be the case when he enters the Arena on Saturday night.  Barrera has proved to be among the greats of the fight game with his superb boxing abilities.  Barrera is cut from the same mold as previous Mexican legends that have graced this sport.  He exhibits precise and intelligent boxing, an uncanny ability to counterpunch, and a fight rhythm that is very hard to time.  Barrera moves and punches at different rates of speed, making him much harder to defend against.  To ice the cake, he always supports his technique with a steel chin, and a savage heart.  Barrera carries the greater boxing ability coming into Saturday’s war. 

The two warriors will definitely enter the ring and hold nothing back.  A few variables make this somewhat hard to call.  While Morales has not only proved he can hold his own in this weight division, he also carries the confidence of a fighter coming off of a championship win.  Barrera has since won a fight, but not one that is notable or confidence building.  Barrera has still not shown us whether or not has completely recovered from his knockout loss to Pacquiao.  There were several external factors that affected Barrera going into the Pacquiao fight.  One concern is the concerns of the metal plate in his head.  Barrera did not go into that fight at 100% mental preparedness.  Regardless of all that, having been in attendance for that fight, Pacquiao did not fight a complete Barrera.

On Saturday, November 27th. 'The Baby Faced Assassin' will enter the ring at full potential.  We will see a physical and mental ready Barrera.  Sentiment of some Morales fans is that he will give the performance of his career.  This is highly likely and will make this match a barn burner from start to finish.  Look for Barrera to  exhibit some of the best boxing that this sport has seen; he has much to prove and everything to gain in this fight.  Both fighters are entering this confrontation with the haunting possibility that the loser will retire a second tier champion, exalting the winner to a historical place with fellow greats J.C. Chavez and Ricardo 'Finito' Lopez. 

Morales will carry the weight better than Barrera, who will hold the wild card of speed.  There is a no advantage to either with regard to chin and heart, both are well stocked with those goods.  While both are promising a knockout, this will be a fight to decision.  Morales will move and try to overpower Barrera, using a Pacquiao induced frontward assault.  Marco Antonio will use more boxing and movement, carefully choosing his spots for toe to toe exchanges.  The two will certainly burn into our memories one of the most memorable fights our generation has witnessed.  Their determination and unwillingness to surrender will touch the audience and remind us of both the origins of this purist sport and the future to come. The judges have better come prepared with bifocals and all, as this will be a close one.  By night’s end, Barrera’s superb counterpunching will have his gloved fist raised in triumph.