The 32 year-old has scored three victories in six months since returning to the sport following a lengthy absence, the latter being Barrera’s seventh career stoppage against Lee Campbell on June 21 in Pennsylvania.
Barrera’s sixth round knockout of the previously undefeated Campbell has made people sit up and take notice of the Miami-based puncher, who now intends to capitalize on the triumph in his next outing.
“It was an important victory as it was my first knockout since 2011,” Barrera told World Boxing News.
“They all mean a lot, but this one I hope made a statement for me as I always continue to work on improving my craft. My goal is the title and not only winning a title, but winning it convincingly.
“As of right now, we are looking at staging my next fight on September 20th. I believe my promoter Main Events are working on that date and I am currently preparing for the fight in Big Bear, California with Abel Sanchez.
“I am very excited to be working with him as we are making some adjustments and training really hard as my road to the title continues.”
On the subject of being in a position to reach his ultimate goal, Barrera was realistic and wants to hone his considerable skills until they are a fully ready to take on the best out there.
“I hope to be there soon, by the end of next year I could be ready,” he said. “My manager and promoter are working hard on keeping me active and that is what I like. I had over 300 amateur fights so I’m used to being busy.
“You must respect what the likes of Bernard Hopkins have done in the division and I definitely think he is a top tier guy. I think the top three guys in the division are obviously the champions Sergey Kovalev, Adonis Stevenson and Hopkins himself.
“I think part of being a champion is fighting the best guys out there and I want to fight those top tier guys.
“It is unfortunate that some of the guys in the light heavyweight division can’t seem to fight each other because of these so called ‘behind the scenes conflicts,’ but I am ready to work hard in order to fight them and give the fans what they want – a show.
“On a final note, I would like to let the fans know that they can follow my quest for the title on my various social media account, thank you.”
Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay for tweets of upcoming news on WBN
