Waiting Has Been a Test for Barrera

For most boxers, the thought of fighting Manny Pacquiao, a devastating puncher from the Philippines, can cause nightmares. But Marco Antonio Barrera will realize a dream when he fights Pacquiao tonight at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

The nightmare for Barrera has been the struggle just to get into the ring with Pacquiao.

First, there was Barrera’s legal battle to join Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions. After months of negotiations, a settlement was reached with his former handlers.

Then, questions were raised about brain surgery undergone by Barrera six years ago, which left him with a cranial implant. He has fought 16 times since, with no apparent medical problems, but Barrera was required by the Texas Boxing Commission to undergo a neurological exam, which he passed.

The surgery, performed on Aug. 29, 1997, was to treat malformed blood vessels, a genetic condition unrelated to boxing.

His legal and medical concerns set aside, all that remains for Barrera (57-3, 40 knockouts) is Pacquiao (37-2-1, 29).

Although it’s a 12-round fight, no title will be at stake. Boxing titles are as commonplace as bad decisions these days, though, and many of the titles are meaningless.

Rare, however, is a match between world-class fighters. And tonight’s match figures to be just that.

Pacquiao is moving up from 122 pounds, where he holds the International Boxing Federation junior-featherweight title, to take on Barrera, considered by many the best featherweight in the world, although he has no title.

Barrera has won eight consecutive fights since losing a split decision to Erik Morales nearly four years ago. Barrera won the rematch by unanimous decision last year. Pacquiao is undefeated in his last 12 fights, including a technical draw against Agapito Sanchez in 2001, a fight stopped because of head butts.