Marco Antonio Barrera Flying To Philippines

Hey, Philippine Islands, get ready for Marco Antonio Barrera. He’s heading your way.

No, not to fight. He’s about to enter an agreement to do some advertisements over in the island nation and is anxious to check it out. Probably in the month of June.

The former three-division champion who last fought and lost a decision to Manny Pacquiao, said he was contacted by a company who want to invite him to the Philippines for a number of projects. The Mexico City fighter is excited about the venture.

“Any time you can make money without getting hit is great,” Barrera said. “The Philippine fighters are warriors like the Mexicans.”

Barrera met with his Golden Boy Promotions partners on Monday in Los Angeles and laid out his plans for the future of Marco Antonio Presenta, which will be doing various entertainment projects, including boxing.

“We’re going to have fights in Reynoso, Monterrey and Guadalajara,” said Barrera who heads the Golden Boy chapter in Mexico. The first promotional event he has planned takes place in May 12 in Guadalajara at a brand new entertainment center. “It’s for the fans.”

Barrera now lives in Guadalajara, but still has a gym in Mexico City. Currently Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is working in his gym to prepare for his next fight against Italy’s Giuseppe Loriga on April 26 in Queretaro, Mexico.

“Everyday he’s getting better and learning more skills,” said Barrera about Chavez.

Tony Rivera, the famous corner man for Alexis Arguello, Roberto Duran and Barrera, will be handling the team that goes to the Philippines. He’s excited about visiting the nation that has produced so many fighters throughout history.

“There’s been a long list of great fighters that have come from the Philippines,” said Rivera. “Some bad asses.”

First, the fight card in Guadalajara and the other Mexican fight cards have to be settled. Barrera’s promotions have about 25 fighters under his wing.

Asked if he’s returning to the ring?

“Only for a big fight,” said Barrera.

Heavyweight weekend

Heavyweights prospects take action in the East Coast when Chazz Witherspoon (22-0) meets Domonic Jenkins (13-7-1) in New York City on Friday April 18. On the same day in Oklahoma, Kevin Johnson (18-0) faces durable veteran Terry Smith (30-4-1) in Oklahoma on Friday April 18. The fight will be shown on ESPN2. Both fighters spent time in Riverside as training partners with local heavyweight Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola.

No More Contender Reality?

The Contender television reality boxing show has been canceled by ESPN it was announced last week. The show lasted three seasons. It originally began on NBC and featured Sergio Mora as the first winner in 2005. Other winners were Grady Brewer and Sakio Bika.

Buffer recovering

Boxing ring announcer Michael Buffer is recovering from surgery to his throat and neck after doctors discovered cancerous growth, said boxing publicist Debbie Caplan. He’s been out of action for a month and is not expected to return soon. The HBO boxing telecast this past Saturday was performed by Lupe Contreras.

Give Em Hell Bell

Former cruiserweight world champion O’Neil Bell fights Poland’s Tomasz Adamek in Poland. The fight will be televised live on ESPN Classic on Saturday April 19 at 3 p.m. Bell trained for this fight at the Wild Card Boxing gym. “I don’t like to stay in one gym too long,” Bell said. “I tend to get stale after about a year.”

High School Boxing tournament

Rubidoux High in Riverside, California, is hosting the 8th annual Boxing Classic on Friday April 18. The high school students will be battling for the Riverside County championships. Various high schools from the county are participating. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.