BARRERA-MORALES 2 POST-FIGHT ANALYSIS

June 23, 2002 - by Bert Sugar

There's only one world, so there should be only one world champion," said Nigel Collins, editor of Ring magazine, as he presented a featherweight championship belt from Ring Magazine to Marco Antonio Barrera.

Barrera earned an unanimous but close victory in a rematch against Erik Morales on Saturday, June 22 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Their first meeting, deemed the "Fight of the Year in 2000" by Ring magazine, was widely acclaimed as an instant classic. Morales recorded a disputed split decision, as many believed the fight belonged to Barrera. On Saturday, however, Barrera was given a chance to avenge the split decision loss and he successfully took the title of world’s best featherweight away from Morales.

Unlike the first fight, where the two went toe-to-toe much of the bout, Barrera waged a tactical fight early. Much of the contest was fought at a slower pace and rarely in the early rounds did the fighters engage in long exchanges. Barrera’s characteristic charging style was absent and Morales outboxed Barrera early on. In the first half of the 12-round fight, Morales seemed to have a considerable advantage in points.

Following a caution for a low blow in the fifth round, however, the tables were turned. Momentum swung in Barrera's favor when Morales lost concentration as he mistakenly took the 10-second warning bell for the end of the round. With Morales’ back turned, Barrera connected on four punches. Barrera came out in the sixth round full of energy and changed his tactics. He held his ground more firmly as Morales attacked and this round was the start of a more aggressive, exciting fight.

After the decision was announced, however, Morales rushed from the ring, tears streaming down his bruised and cut face.

FIGHTERS	Barrera	Morales
TOTAL PUNCHES
Thrown	607	599
Connected	207	205
%	34%	34%
JABS
Thrown	278	265
Connected	90	70
%	32%	26%
POWER PUNCHES
Thrown	329	334
Connected	117	135
%	36%	40%
JUDGES SCORECARDS
Giampa	116	112
Glienna	115	113
Ford	115	113

Barrera won on points over 12 rounds, inflicting the first ever defeat on Morales. All three judges put Barrera in first; Judge Chuck Giampa scored the bout 116-112 while Duane Ford and Mike Glienna both made it 115-113. Morales may have dominated the early rounds, but the judges gave Barrera five of the last six rounds.

Barrera was happy with the decision.

Near the end of the eighth round, Barrera attacked Morales with a flurry of punches that seemed to daze Morales and by the end of the round, Morales’ right eye was swollen shut. Although Morales was more visibly hurt, both fighters fought hard to the end. The final rounds featured much of the action that characterized their first fight and the action peaked in the final round as both fighters punched almost nonstop. As the bell rang to end the fight, Morales and Barrera both had their arms raised in triumph.