COMPUBOX POST-FIGHT UPDATE

by Compubox/Bob Canobbio

Prior to his long-awaited showdown vs. Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera was asked where he rated himself among the greatest Mexican fighters. He placed himself fifth, behind Salvador Sanchez, Julio Cesar Chavez, Ruben Olivares and surprise, his hated rival Erik Morales. (with apologies to Carlos Zarate, Alfonso Zamora, Carlos Palomino and Lupe Pintor).

Following Marquez's performance Saturday night in Las Vegas, Barrera will have to move down to the sixth spot.

Marquez survived a no-call knockdown late in round seven, a round in which he had Barrera badly hurt, to win a (too wide) 118-109 and 116-111 (twice) unanimous decision and Barrera's 130-lb title in the process.

Marquez outlanded Barrera 43-24 in that seventh round (and 33-11 in power shots) before Barrera landed a right hand to the point of Marquez's chin late in the round. Ref Jay Nady did not see Marquez's gloves touch the canvas and waved off the knockdown. Barrera then chose to hit Marquez while he was on the canvas and lost a point for doing so. Barrera actually could have been dq'd for his actions as replays showed him pulling away from Nady's grip in an effort to hit Marquez while he was on the canvas. Roy Jones was dq'd vs. Montell Griffin for a similar infraction.

Marquez, looking to join the "Mexican Elite Fighter Club" with a win over Barrera, knew he wasn't going to do so by counterpunching the entire fight. He responded by averaging 58 punches thrown per round, landing 38%. In his previous 10 fights tracked by Compubox, he averaged 45 punches thrown per round.

Marquez also had a 197-146 edge in power connects, landing 43% to 41% for Barrera. Marquez outlanded Barrera in power shots in eight of the twelve rounds. He threw 453 power shots, 100 more than Barrera. That's an average of 38 power shots thrown per round for Marquez, 12 more than he threw in his previous 10 fights. To be great, one must take risks.

Marquez, the former featherweight champ, now adds a 130-lb belt to his collection. His brother Rafael currently holds a 122-lb title. They join the Canizales brothers (Orlando & Gaby), the Galaxy's (Khaosai & Khaokor), the Ruelas' (Rafael & Gabriel) and the Norris' (Terry & Orlin) as the only brothers in boxing history to hold titles simultaneously.

There's already talk of a rematch, September 16, Mexican Independence Day. How about some added fireworks and add Rafael, in a rematch vs. Israel Vazquez, on the undercard?