Featherweight Division: Top heavy, but still no clear king.

By Ron Widelec

18.11 - Twice now, Marco Antonio Barrera (56-3) and Erik Morales (42-1) have battles each other in the ring; first in 2000, and again in 2002. The first fight was won by Morales, but many felt that Barrera should have won. The second fight was won by Barrera, but many felt that Morales should have won. The only thing that was clear after two fights was that both these fighters are the best in the division, and neither is truly superior to the other, at least not by any amount that can be measured.

After their first fight Barrera had all the momentum, despite the minor fact that it was he who left with the loss. Barrera had several consecutive superb performances, even defeating the featherweight juggernaut, Prince Naseem Hamed, and seemingly destroying his career. Meanwhile, Morales had several tough, life or death struggles, albeit against tough opposition. Finally, it seemed that the 126 pound division had a clear king, in Marco Antonio Barrera.

Then the warriors stepped into the ring once again, to get some closure on their unfinished business. After another 12 rounds, we were no closer to knowing who was better. In fact, most were more conflicted then they were before the fight. So, just as was the case in the first fight, the two warriors left the ring both feeling like the winner. They have gone their separate ways again, trying to prove their superiority.

Both took very similar routes. Each decided to take on a big name fighter coming up from 122 pounds. Barrera decided to take on title holder, and 6 time champion, Johnny Tapia (52-3), and Morales took on Ring Magazine 122 pound champion, Paulie Ayala (now 34-2). Tapia and Ayala have twice battle each other as well. Both ended with Ayala winning tight, and controversial decisions. So the two evenly matched 126 pound fighters decided to take on two fighters from 122 pounds, of about the same level, and fairly similar skills.

Both these fights are now over, so once again we can renew our debate. Both Morales and Barrera were victorious, as expected. Both proved to be too big, too strong, and in the end, just better. So, many will look at how impressive were the victories to see which fighter is better. Well, without a doubt Morales beat Ayala more impressively then Barrera beat Tapia. Morales won nearly every round of the fight, and seriously pounded on Ayala throughout the fight. Barrera smoothly boxed, and won the fight easily, but never really put the hurt on Tapia. And since Ayala beat Tapia twice, and Morales beat Ayala "better" Barrera beat Tapia, Morales must be better, right? Not necessarily.

As the saying goes "Styles make fights". Morales being a tall rangy fighter was able to dominate Ayala from a distance. Barrera did not have as towering a size advantage over Tapia. Also, unlike Ayala, who is quite feather fisted, Tapia packs a solid punch. So, even though both Morales and Barrera have great chins, Morales had little to worry about as far as punches coming back. Barrera had to be more cautious. Also, Tapia is slightly more cagey and tricky in the ring, which would force Barrera to be a bit more wary of his opponent.

So without a doubt, the debate will still rage on. As of now neither side can make an irrefutable argument. We can only hope that these two champions will once again agree to fight each other. Although I doubt a third fight will lead to a more decisive victory then the previous two. Both fighters can punch and counter punch. Both fight well moving forward and backwards. Both have shown the ability to make these switches between rounds, so that neither fighter can overpower the other. And to top it off, both have great chins, so a knockout, or even a knock down, are not very likely.

In the end only one thing is truly clear. The 126 pound division has two men that are true champions. And if they have to fight 10 times before we can tell who is truly the best, so be it! This is the sport's best rivalry by far, and only good things can come of it!

On a side note:

For the first time ever during a fight, I actually wished that George Foreman was there to comment. Although Big George is not the best speaker, and sometimes makes no sense, at least he counters the babblings and ravings of Larry Merchant. Between the annoying rantings and Merchact, and the brown nosing of Jim Lampley (who hasn't had an original idea in his life) I was ready to shoot myself. If only I could mute them and not the crowd and the punches. Honestly, if someone from HBO sees this please, do something!

And as for their comments during the Bones Adams v. Guty Espades match, I wish Adams and Espades came down after the fight and give them a little chin music. Maybe HBO should educate their commentators a bit, or pick people that at least know a little about the sport. Like typical fight fans, these commentators know nothing about the science of the game, and only wish to see action packed blood bathes. Not to bash action packed fights. I love them too, and wish we had more of them. But Adams v. Espades was an extremely interesting fight, even though it lacked a bit in excitement. And to be honest, it wasn't boring at all! There were several good close rounds, with plenty of action. To these guys you need to be Ward v. Gatti every time I guess. Wake up boys, not every fight is a fight of the year. Deal with it, or find a new sport.