Quebec’s Eric Barrak gained some Boxing fame in February of 2011as a scheduled opponent for former heavyweight champion Tommy Morrison. In the end, “The Duke” was not licensed for the bout and Barrak instead faced Matt Weishaar, who he knocked out in the 1st round. The 34 year old Barrak would return to the ring again in June of 2011 with another 1st round KO, this time victimizing Richard Bryant, running his record to a perfect 5-0 with four 1st round stoppages. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
Then the unexpected happened, Barrak decided to try his hand at Mixed Martial Arts, signing to face the legendary “Butterbean” Eric Esch in October of 2011 at Instinct 1. In grand fashion, Barrak won the fight, rumbling his way to a 3rd round submission of the Bean. After that fight, Barrak signed a deal with Ringside MMA, where he will make his debut on March 17th.
Now a two sport star, Barrak also is scheduled to return to the Boxing ring on March 3rd in Saint -Hyacinthe, Quebec as he continues on his path to becoming the Canadian heavyweight champion.
8CN’s Darren Barcomb caught up with Barrak as he prepares for a very busy month of March and discussed both upcoming fights, the potential of facing former NHL enforcer Donald Brashear, and his desire to fight Eric Martel Bahoeli.
Barcomb: You fought Matt Weishaar in February after former champ Tommy Morrison could not be licensed as your opponent. How was that whole media circus for you? How do you think it would have panned out if you had fought Morrison?
Barrak: The media for the Morrison fight was great , that’s what brought me to life. I was in newspapers all over the City and on T.V. If I would have fought Morrison the outcome would’ve been the same (KO). Morrison couldn’t knock out Matt , I knocked him out twice in one round.
Barcomb: You transitioned to MMA well with a 3rd round submission of Butterbean at Instinct 1. Describe that fight and your game plan against Butterbean. How'd it feel to beat the "King of the 4 Rounders."
Barrak: I didn’t want to fight in MMA, especially against a guy who’s a world class fighter. I thought I didn’t have enough experience, but some friend told me to do it and I said to myself that I was going to outbox this guy it was going to be piece of cake. You saw the result, it was an easy fight, he didn’t touch me at all. But, I respect him a lot, and didn’t want to get caught by his right hand. I choked him out simply by instincts and reflex.
Barcomb: After Instinct 1, you signed a 2 fight deal with rival Ringside MMA. What’s your game plan for Ringside 13? Any possibility of a Donald Brashear matchup in the future?
Barrak: After I beat Butterbean, Instinct offered me a contract, but Ringside was better for me. I’m fighting March 17 at Ringside 13 against Paul Cheng. He’s a pretty big guy who’s 1-1 in MMA and 3-1 in Boxing. I’m looking forward to knocking him out ! As for Brashear, I think he’s just not ready for me..
Barcomb: You’re Boxing again as well on February 3rd....how often can fans expect to see you fight in 2012?
Barrak: 2012 will be a very busy year in the fighting world. I signed a contract with my new manager Anyck Wilford. He’s a business man who knows his boxing .
Barcomb: Where are you training right now?
Barrak: I train at Orion Gym with Dave Beauchemin and Sylvain Gagnon. I’m in tip top shape for this fight ...
Barcomb: What are your big plans for the near future?
Barrak: I’m Boxing March 3rd against Cullen Rogers (10-32-2). I’m looking forward to my comeback in Boxing and I want to be Canadian champion for sure this year. If Eric Martel becomes the new Canadian champ I want to challenge him for the title. 
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