WILL IT BE TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES FOR HAMED
Will Naseem Hamed show the world all his talk about being the world's best fighter is true or will he face the consequences that will follow a loss to Marco Antonio Barrera. One thing for certain, Hamed has stepped up to the plate with this bout. Hamed and Barrera square off Saturday, April 7, 2001 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV.
Hamed has done a real good job of flapping his lips in saying how great he is. He has also done a real good job of knocking and defeating every opponent he has faced. Hamed gained plenty of fan fare and recognition for his street talk interviews. His flamboyant ring entrances have made him kind of exciting to watch. The thrill would slowly turn to boredom as for some reason or another Hamed would not make a fight against a true contender. For Hamed the moment of truth has arrived.
Hamed plans on proving to the world he is the best by defeating Barrera. He plans to silence the critics once and for all. By taking on Barrera he takes on the toughest opponent possible no diss'n him on this fight. Even Hamed admits "this fight will not go the distance, someone is going to get knocked out!" Hamed is probably right with his prediction, both fighters posse tremendous knock out power. Hamed has one punch knockout power while Barrera will stop you with an accumulation of body shots. Out of Hamed's 35 victories, 31 were by knockouts and Barrera's not to shabby with 38 knockouts in his 52 wins. Hamed has yet to taste defeat where Barrera has lost 3 times.
Two of Barrera's losses were back to back to Junior Jones, first on November 22, 1996 losing the junior featherweight title. And in a rematch April 18, 1997 losing by a unanimous decision. Barrera's third loss came by unanimous decision to undefeated WBC super bantamweight champion Eric Morales, a clash labeled "fight of the year". Barrera clearly beat Morales in that fight but faulty judging would favor Morales. Barrera continues to be a strong fighter with no signs of a diminishing pug. Where as Morales in his last bouts has struggled, tired and come close to being knocked out, thankfully the judges like Morales. Yes, Barrera took the fight out of Morales.
How will Hamed react to his Las Vegas debut? Will he try and win the fans by going toe to toe with Barrera or will he fight with his elusive and awkward style keeping Barrera off balance. Barrera claims he is ready for whatever Hamed brings to the ring. Barrera hopes Hamed decides to go toe to toe with him just as Morales did but is prepared for a haphazard and careful Hamed.
Barrera has set training camp at Big Bear, he feels he can train serious at Big Bear and will be free from distractions. Hamed on the other hand set training camp at Thunder Heights section of Rancho Mirage, CA. A magnificent training facility, no "hood" gym here.
Hamed trainer Oscar Suarez is so satisfied with how things are going in training camp that he say's "Naseem is ready for Barrera. For the first time, I will call him the Mexican Destroyer."
Barrera's trainer Porfirio Perez states "Barrera is training especially to fit Hamed's style. We are working against Hamed's strengths. We know that he has speed and can be elusive. He also works from the left or right. We will make sure that Barrera is prepared for victory".
The fight has been billed "Playing with fire" and has every indication of being just that. In this fight it's easy to say there will be a knockout but extremely hard to pick a winner.
Tickets to this fight are going fast with over 9,000 already sold. Tickets cost $600.00, $300.00, $150.00 and $75.00. You can reserve tickets online by visiting http://mgmgrand.com/lv/pages/ent_schedule.asp
-Blackbull-