Now in his late 40s, veteran Marco Antonio Barrera will be returning to the ring this summer, but great rival Erik Morales won’t be in the other corner just yet.
Two days after Morales trailed a July 16 meeting between the Mexican legends on ESPN Deportes, reports now indicate Barrera will be meeting former contender Jesus Soto Karass in a June 11 exhibition at the Pico Rivera Sports Arena in Pico Rivera, California. Morales’ mother sadly passed away on Thursday night so his ring return is on hold for now.
From Los Mochis, Mexico, a bout involving Soto Karass (29-13-4, 18 KOs & 1 NC) usually guaranteed a war with the 38-year-old campaigning around 147lbs and mixing it with the likes of Keith Thurman and Marcos Maidana at his peak. He notably defeated two-time world champion Andre Berto in the last round and ended his career on a high with a win over prospect Neeco Macias in November 2018.
Three-weight champion Barrera, now 47, finished his storied (67-7, 44 KOs & 1 NC) career with a two-round stoppage of Jose Arias in February 2011. His return will be formally announced next week. In his pomp, Barrera engaged in a thrilling trilogy with Morales, emerging a 2-1 victor from the series.