Mark Anthony Barriga can now add the word “champion” to his name
The 24-year old, 2012 London Olympics standout outlasted Wittawas Basapean to claim the vacant WBO International minimumweight belt in Beijing, China.
Barriga once again showcased his vast in-ring experience to dominate his Thai foe in the scorecards, and earn a unanimous decision win, 100-93, 100-93, 100-93.
The fight was promoted by MP Promotions. No less than IBF world champion Jerwin Ancajas and eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao were in attendance to witness the fight.
Barriga’s coach and manager, Joven Jimenez, shared with Tiebreaker Times his satisfaction with his ward’s performance, particularly with the way he handled himself inside the ring.
“Si Mark matured na siya pag dating sa paglalaro niya (sa pro), kumpleto na siya. Kaya nakikita namin na pwede na siya ilaban,” Jimenez said.
Jimenez lauds Barriga’s quick progress after a noteworthy stint in the amateurs, where he faced top caliber pugilists like former world champ Zou Shiming. With the victory, he is confident that Barriga (7-0, 1KO) has earned his ticket to facing the topflight talent in the division.
“Masaya ako para sa kanya kasi hindi ito kagaya ng kay Jerwin na inabot kami ng lima, anim na taon para makuha niya yung meron siya ngayon. Kay Mark, isang taon lang. Kaya tinutukan namin siya ng husto para mapabilis ang pag mature niya sa laban,” he said.
“Yung skill niya pang-world class.”
