Barriga takes chance vs Colombian fighter

Mark Anthony Barriga was right on the dot weighing in at 105 pounds yesterday for his IBF mini-flyweight title eliminator against a seasoned fighter from Colombia tonight.

The 24-year-old Barriga, who represented the Philippines in the 2012 London Olympics, tipped the scales at Studio 4 of the TV5 Center in Mandaluyong with nothing to spare.

But it doesn’t mean that Barriga, undefeated in eight bouts as a professional, is giving away anything against Gabriel Mendoza, who came in at 104 pounds.

The 38-year-old Mendoza will climb the ring at the Skydome of SM North with a ring record of 25-5-2 with 23 knockouts.

During the weigh-in, reigning IBF super-flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas lent support to Barriga, a member of his team.

Ancajas is gearing up for his own fight against countryman Jonas Sultan on May 27 in Fresno, California.

Barriga is pursuing a shot at the world title. If he prevails over the Colombian, he might get an immediate crack at IBF champion Hiroto Kyoguchi of Japan.

“Fighters are rarely given this chance. That’s why this is very important for me,” said Barriga.

Mendoza is counting on his experience.

“I’ve already fought for a world title. He’s (Barriga) 8-0, but he has to prove himself – not me,” he said.

Former world champion Marvin Sonsona and world title contender AJ “Bazooka” Banal are also in tonight’s card, to be aired by ESPN5.