Marco Antonio Barrera, also known as the “Baby-Faced Assassin,” is a name that resonates with boxing enthusiasts worldwide.
Born on January 17, 1974, in Mexico City, Mexico, Barrera is a former professional boxer who competed from 1989 to 2011.
In this article, you will know Marco Antonio’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Marco Antonio Barrera’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Marco Antonio Barrera Tapia |
| Nickname | Baby Faced Assassin |
| Birth Date | January 17, 1974 |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
| Weight | Varied during career |
| Birthplace | Mexico City, Mexico |
| Nationality | Mexican |
| Current Net Worth | $20 million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Sandra Barrera |
| Instagram Profile | @marcobarrerat |
Marco Antonio Barrera Tapia entered the world of boxing with a bang. His birthplace, Mexico City, was also the cradle of his boxing career, which began at 15.
Barrera’s early years in the ring were a testament to his future greatness. Before turning professional, he had an amateur record of 104-4.
Early Career
Barrera’s journey into boxing started when he was just seven years old. Two of his uncles introduced him to a boxing gym, and he immediately liked the sport.
Despite his family’s wealth, Barrera grew up in a rough neighborhood, fueling his passion for boxing. Barrera had a successful amateur boxing career, winning 55 out of 58 bouts.
Professional Career
Marco Antonio Barrera, synonymous with boxing excellence, began his professional career at 15.
His debut in 1989 marked the beginning of a journey that would see him become one of the most accomplished boxers of his time.
In 1995, he captured the WBO super bantamweight title, a significant milestone that heralded the arrival of a new force in the boxing world.
His ability to dominate in the ring was further solidified when he added the IBF title to his collection in 2005.
Barrera’s ambition led him to seek new challenges in higher-weight classes.
In 2008, he signed a five-year contract with promoter Don King and moved up to the lightweight division, aiming to become the first Mexican to win titles in four different weight divisions.
His lightweight debut was successful, as he knocked out Sammy Ventura in Chengdu, China. He retired in 2011 with a remarkable record of 67 wins, 44 by knockout, and only 7 losses.
Wife
Marco Antonio Barrera is married to Sandra Barrera. The couple has managed to keep their private life out of the public eye. Hey, we are blessed with two children.
Sandra Barrera has been a supportive partner, even giving her husband permission to resume his boxing career after a period of retirement.
Marco Antonio Barrera’s Net Worth Details
Marco Antonio Barrera’s net worth is estimated to be $20 million as of 2025. His earnings come from his prize money as a former professional boxer, endorsements, and other sources.
Prize Money
Throughout his illustrious boxing career, Marco Antonio Barrera earned significant prize money from his high-profile bouts. For instance, he earned $2 million from his fight against Naseem Hamed.
His fight against Manny Pacquiao also brought him a substantial sum of $3 million.
Career Earnings
| Year | Fight | Earnings |
| 2001 | Against Naseem Hamed | $6 million |
| Unknown | Against Manny Pacquiao | $3 million |
Endorsement
Marco Antonio Barrera, a celebrated Mexican boxer, secured several endorsement deals and sponsorships throughout his career.
As a highly recognized figure in the sport, brands often sought to associate themselves with his success and popularity, leading to lucrative partnerships.
These endorsement deals ranged from sports apparel to energy drinks, providing Barrera with an additional source of income.
Fight Record
| Statistic | Number |
| Total Fights | 75 |
| Wins | 67 |
| Wins by KO | 44 |
| Losses | 7 |
| No Contests | 1 |
FAQs
1. Who is Marco Antonio Barrera?
Marco Antonio Barrera is a retired Mexican professional boxer, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters of his generation. He competed from 1989 to 2011, winning multiple world championships in three weight classes: super bantamweight, featherweight, and super featherweight. His career included 67 wins, 7 losses, and 44 knockouts.
2. What are Marco Antonio Barrera’s most notable achievements?
Barrera won seven world titles across three weight classes and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2017. He is best known for defeating Naseem Hamed in 2001 and his legendary trilogy with Erik Morales. ESPN ranked him 43rd among the greatest boxers of all time.
3. When did Marco Antonio Barrera start his professional boxing career?
Barrera turned professional on November 22, 1989, at the age of 15. In his debut fight, he knocked out David Félix in the second round. He went on to win his first 43 professional bouts, showcasing his early dominance in the sport.
4. What was Marco Antonio Barrera’s amateur boxing record?
As an amateur, Barrera had an impressive record of 104 wins and 4 losses. He was a five-time Mexican national champion and began his amateur career with an undefeated streak of 56-0 before suffering his first loss.
5. What are some of Marco Antonio Barrera’s most memorable fights?
Barrera’s most iconic fights include his victory over Naseem Hamed in 2001, his trilogy against Erik Morales (2000-2004), and battles with Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Márquez. His rivalry with Morales is considered one of the greatest in boxing history.
6. How did Marco Antonio Barrera adapt after setbacks in his career?
After losing twice to Junior Jones in the mid-1990s, many thought Barrera’s career was over. However, he reinvented himself by adopting a more technical boxing style. This transformation allowed him to achieve some of his greatest victories later in his career.
7. Why is Marco Antonio Barrera called the “Baby-Faced Assassin”?
Barrera earned the nickname “Baby-Faced Assassin” due to his youthful appearance combined with his aggressive and relentless fighting style early in his career. Despite looking unassuming, he was a ferocious competitor in the ring.
8. Who were some of Marco Antonio Barrera’s toughest opponents?
Barrera faced several elite fighters during his career, including Erik Morales, Manny Pacquiao, Naseem Hamed, and Juan Manuel Márquez. He has stated that Manny Pacquiao was the hardest puncher he ever faced due to Pacquiao’s combination of power and speed.
9. What is Marco Antonio Barrera doing after retirement?
Since retiring in 2011, Barrera has remained active in boxing as a commentator for TV Azteca and a trainer at his gym in Mexico City. He also manages fighters and continues to contribute to the sport through mentorship and analysis.
10. How is Marco Antonio Barrera remembered in boxing history?
Barrera is celebrated as one of Mexico’s greatest boxers and a global icon in the sport. Known for his skill, resilience, and memorable rivalries, he left an indelible mark on boxing history and remains an inspiration for future generations of fighters.
