Push Admin

Boxing: No need for Mark Anthony Barriga to look for KO in world-title bout

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div><script src="https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&amp;version=v2.5" async="" type="text/javascript"></script></div><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/1989454297970434/videos/567812910311304/?t=10" data-width="auto"> </div><p>Mark Anthony Barriga is all set for his IBF junior flyweight world-title bout against Mexico’s Carlos Licona, which will take place in the undercard of the Deontay Wilder-Tyson Fury bout at Staples Center in Los Angeles Saturday (Sunday morning, Manila time.)</p><p>Barriga is giving away a 2-inch height advantage against the 5-foot-4 Licona, but the Filipino Olympian said he’s already used to fight taller boxers.</p><p>“Sakto lang ang tangkad niya,” said the 25-year-old Danao city, Cebu native in an interview with ABS-CBN North America Nerws Bureau’s Steve Angeles.</p><p>“Pero hindi ina-underestimate na boxer at undefeated. Magaling.”</p><p>He easily made weight for the 12-rounder, tipping the scales at 103.6 pounds. Licona weighed in at 104.8 pounds. The junior flyweight limit is 105 pounds.</p><p>Both Barriga (9-0) and Licona (13-0) are sporting unbeaten records going into the bout.</p><p>Meanwhile, fight analyst Ed Tolentino said he prefers Barriga to stick to his strengths, particularly his crafty, counterpunching style.</p><p>He added that the former amateur standout need not be pressured going for a knockout win.</p><p>“Barriga is fully aware of the perception about him, that he had been so immersed in the amateur boxing style that he needs to be more entertaining as a pro. And by entertaining, we mean showing more pop in his punches. I think the knockout thing will come naturally, the moment he starts gaining more confidence,” said Tolentino.</p><p>“The key is for Barriga not to put too much pressure on himself. He is a boxer, that is his strength. Let the development of his KO power come along as he gains confidence.”</p><p>What is important, said Tolentino, is that Barriga will need to show the judges that he is the more active fighter.</p><p>“The more important aspect is for Barriga to be more aggressive. We do not want him to be too passive and settle on a counter punching mode. Licona will take the fight to him and we want Barriga to vary his offense,” he said.</p><div><strong>For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/">ABS-CBN Sports website</a>.</strong></div>

<p>Mark Anthony Barriga is all set for his IBF junior flyweight world-title bout against Mexico’s Carlos Licona, which will take place in Los Angeles, Sunday morning, Manila time.</p>

Mark Anthony Barriga is all set for his IBF junior flyweight world-title bout against Mexico’s Carlos Licona, which will take place in Los Angeles, Sunday morning, Manila time.