In what might be a sequel on its way to another legendary trilogy, and after a dramatic and controversial war that’s already been earmarked as “Fight of the Year,” Marquez-Barrera II is already on the table.

In the closing moments of the post-fight press conference, Golden Boy president Richard Schafer awarded the media, and those in attendance, with the news that HBO had penciled in Marquez-Barrera II for September 16—the week of Mexican Independence Day.

“We’re shooting for that date,” said Schafer. “We’ll have to talk to both camps first, but you heard the cheers. When the 12th round came, they weren’t cheering for Marco Antonio Barrera or Juan Manuel Marquez—they were cheering for Mexico.”

While both fighters had differing views on the fight—who’d won, the scoring and the controversial knockdown of round seven—neither Mexican warrior showed a reluctance to fighting a rematch.

“Marco Antonio Barrera is a great fighter,” said Marquez, his face swollen with the marks of a hard-fought battle.

“But if he wants a rematch, I can accept right away.”

“I will do what the fans want,” said Barrera. “But first, I want to take a vacation. Spend some time with my children and family.”

The former 130-pound kingpin had more to say about the scoring tonight.

“But what can I say? As a good sportsman, I am glad for Juan Manuel,” said Barrera. “He gave a great fight.

“But as a boxer, I can’t fight with the judges, the referee and my opponent at the same time. I know in my heart that I won tonight.”

All three judges—Doug Tucker, Patricia Morse-Jarman and Paul Smith—had it for Marquez, 118-109 (Tucker) and 116-111 twice. Round seven held all the controversy, however, after Marquez went down from a right hand and Referee Jay Nady ruled it a slip—but not before Barrera landed a big right hand while Marquez was on the canvas. Nady deducted Barrera a point. Marquez won 10-9 on all three scorecards that round.

“I was hurt that round,” admitted Barrera, “but I came back and knocked him down. The judges didn’t see, the referee didn’t see it, but you, I think, you all know what you saw.”

As for hitting Marquez when down, Barrera stated, “The ref should’ve been doing his job. I am a fighter. I see blood and I go after fallen prey. If the referee had done his job and held me back, it wouldn’t have happened.

“As for the decision? When the decision was announced, I would like to see a replay of Marquez’s face. They know it shouldn’t have been that wide.

“But the important thing is, it was a fight for the fans. That’s how I want to be remembered. As a great fighter who gave you great fights.”

Marquez was in agreement, that “it’s the people who won tonight,” but that’s where it ended.