Light heavyweight contender Sullivan Barrera had a very frustrating 2020 campaign.
He spent most of the year training for a showdown against Sergey Kovalev that failed to materialize because of the coronavirus pandemic and other factors. With Kovalev having since failed a test for PEDs, that fight won’t be a possibility anytime soon.
The promotional free agent is really baffled that he hasn’t been able to make a meaningful fight in the division.
“I wasted a lot of time and energy for the Kovalev fight. I just want to fight and I have called out all of the champions, contenders and top prospects and no one wants to fight me,” Barrera explained.
Barrera has never had any issues making weight and has decided that the best way to make a meaningful fight is to drop down to the super middleweight division. He wants to make it clear he is available for any top contender or prospect at 168 pounds.
“I am going to move down in weight. It won’t be a problem for me. I am a free agent so making a deal is easy. David Benavidez, Caleb Plant, Billy Joe Saunders, Callum Smith and even young fighters like Edgar Berlanga are all on my radar. I would fight any of them. They say I am old and washed up so I should be easy for them,” said Barrera.
The former Cuban amateur standout has continued to train and is ready to fight right now. There are several interesting options in the super middleweight division. Barrera just needs one to accept his challenge.
“I think I have a good resume. I have fought several top fighters. My win over Joe Smith looks better all the time. If I am so easy then these guys should accept my challenge. Who wants to meet me in the ring?” Barrera stated.
A fight against Berlanga is a good idea. Berlanga needs to stop fighting no names and Barrera is a nice step up.
Agree but way too early for Berlanga. Needs some seasoning against guys that can extend him. Sullivan’s defence will get him through the early onslaught.
If Barrera can keep his power and focus moving down, that may pose some challenges for the other fighters. I recall in the past when Chris Byrd really dropped down in weight to Lt Heavyweight and that weight loss really took its toll on him. However, Barrera’s drop in weight seems feasible and manageable.
Another problem of having too many weight divisions. Too easy to move up or down a few pounds.
Now way Berlanga will be allowed to fight a legit fighter like Barrera.. That is a great matchup but these fights usualy do not happen and that is sad.
Sad the way boxing , Covid19 and PED cheat Kovalev wasted a year of the career of a legit contender like Barrera.
Best of luck to him as SMW