Boxing: Barrera vs Juarez

[H2O Man]

HBO had an interesting fight card on last night. In the first match, Jorge Barrios knocked Janos Nagy out in the first round with a powerful body punch. I thought the fight showed the problem that early weigh-ins cause, as Barrios gained 19 pounds before the match. While Barrios was fighting for the WBO Jr. Lightweight "title," he was actually four divisions higher when he entered the ring. That is one of the things that can lead to serious injuries in the sport.

The main event, featuring the legendary Marco Antonio Barrera defending his WBC/IBF Jr. Lightweight title against Rocky Juarez, was one of the best fights that I have had the pleasure to watch in a long time. Both of the guys are class acts, and both gave it their all. After the 3rd round, I said that Barrera's nose was broken. My son's girlfriend asked how I could tell, and I pointed out the discoloration on the swelling under his eye. My son told her that often, when I point something like that out, the announcers say it a few rounds later. I said that Steward would notice Barrera's breathing through his mouth. I thought it was curious the announcers were speculating on his jaw, until towards the end when Jim L. noted that Barrera's corner knew the nose was broken.

It was a heck of a match. The announcers felt Barrera won. I thought Juarez had pulled it out. My son said it should be a draw, which seemed fine with me. It really is a shame either man should lose such a great fight. I thought the decision -- a draw -- was fair. One judge voted for Barrera, on for Juarez, one even.

I hope that Barrera retires. He has been an outstanding athlete, and has earned a place among the all-time great champions. Juarez is a man who brings the same intensity and dignity to the sport. He will be at the top for years to come.

[dr.zoidberg]

1. I had it 115-113 for Barrera.

Juarez fought a lot better than I thought he would. This was based on past viewings of Juarez, as I saw him as a wide-punching power puncher. I felt that style would play well for Barrera, as he has always had a good defense for wide punches. Barrera didn't show that last night. He got hit with several good shots from Juarez and was staggered in round 3. I believe that Barrera had his nose broken in round 2 from a great left hook by Juarez. Barrera looked the worse for wear at the end, but I felt that he had done enough to win. Juarez came out of this fight looking great and has possibly removed the poor performance against Humberto Soto from the minds of many.

Also, Barrera won by split-decision. Apparently, Ken Morita added up his scorecard wrong. His card was initially 114-114. After being tallied correctly, it was scored 115-114 for Barrera. Duane Ford also had to re-tally his scorecard. He initially scored the fight 115-113 for Juarez. It was later changed to 115-114 for Juarez. Once again, Duane Ford proves that he is an idiot judge.

[H2O Man]

2. Wow!

I found out later than Juarez!

It was a fantastic effort by both fighters. I was impressed by the body punches that both men threw. I thought Juarez did a little better, but it was close enough that I have no problem with any of the judges' scores.

Before the fight, I thought that Barrera would win, and possibly TKO Juarez. I think very highly of both fighters, but I didn't expect as good of a fight as I had the pleasure to watch. Boxing is at a good point for fans right now. The summer months will offer plenty of good fights.

[nickgutierrez]

3. How do you gain 19 pounds between weigh-in and the fight?

You're right about it being a potential cause of injury to the other fighter. But it can't be a healthy thing for the guy that gained all that weight in such a short time frame, can it?

[H2O Man]

4. You are right.

It's unhealthy all around.