Mark Anthony Barriga’s undefeated run in the professional rank continues. And as he continues to rack up the wins, an opportunity for a crack at a world title inches closer.
The one-time Olympian, who competed during the 2012 London Games, came out victorious last weekend, out-pointing Joel Taduran in Sablayan Sports Complex in Occidental Mindoro. This was his sixth win in as many fights.
Barriga, who trains alongside former interim world champion Drian Fransisco and reigning IBF Junior Bantamweight World champion Jerwin Ancajas, once again used his vast amateur boxing experience to win the fight, weaving his way out of trouble multiple times while showcasing flawless counters to frustrate Taduran.
“Naka-UD siya at super ganda ng performance niya,” Barriga’s coach Joven Jimenez shared about the performance.
Moreover, Jimenez expressed satisfaction with the way Barriga has transitioned from the amateur scene into the pro ranks.
With the string of performances the 2013 SEA Games gold medalist, Jimenez feels that the 24-year-old is ready to take on the best minimumweights in the world like WBA titleholder Thammanoon Niyomtrong, WBO king Tatsuya Fukuhara, and undefeated champions Hiroto Kyoguchi and Wanheng Menayothin of the IBF and the WBC, respectively.
“Puwede ng ilaban para sa world title,” Jimenez declared.
“Mag-aantay lang kami sa pagkakataon pero laging ready kami.”
And ready they should be, as opportunity knocks at the most random of times.
– By: Mike Miguel and Matthew Li
