Barrera-Tapia: Battle of the Warriors

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Barrera-Tapia: Battle of the Warriors

"Tapia is impossible to knockout," said the Mexican warrior Marco Antonio Barrera. "He puts his heart into every combat and he will be a very tough opponent for me."

October 26, 2002 -- LAS VEGAS - The time has come. Two champions, two warriors, but only one will emerge victorious.

Forum Boxing, Inc., in association with MGM Grand, “The City of Entertainment” in Las Vegas presents “The Battle of the Warriors” on Saturday, November 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Three-time world champion Marco Antonio Barrera, currently considered as “The Best Featherweight in the World” (55-3-0), takes on IBF Featherweight champion Johnny Tapia (52-2-2).

“This is truly a fight for the fans,” said Forum Boxing President John Jackson. “It matches two great warriors at
the prime of their careers. They both have been involved in great action fights in the past and this one should be no
different.” Barrera, coming off a dominating victory over Prince Naseem Hamed in 2001 and his recent victory over Erik Morales, is ready to do battle with charismatic five-time world champion Johnny Tapia. “I want to fight
and defeat the best featherweights in the world and Johnny Tapia is certainly one of them,” said Barrera. “I am
excited to be back in the ring with someone of his caliber.”

Tapia, who won the IBF Featherweight title after a controversial decision over Manuel Medina at Madison
Square Garden on April 27 is looking forward to his showdown against Barrera. “I always wanted to fight the
best and Barrera is truly one of the best,” said Tapia. “I know it will not be a boring fight because we both have the heart of a lion.”

Tickets priced at $325, $225, $125, $75 and $50, not including applicable service charges. Tickets also will be sold at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (Tower Records, Smith’s Food and Drug Centers, Ritmo Latino and Robinsons-May stores). Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

The winner of Barrera-Tapia could face the winner of the Ayala-Morales fight on Nov. 16.