Coming up through the boxing ranks, Mario Barrios saw what Manny Pacquiao meant to the sport. Now, the reigning WBC welterweight champion gets his crack at the legend.
Barrios defends his title on July 19 from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas vs. the former champion and Hall of Fame fighter. The bout headlines the PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video.
“El Azteca” has scored recent wins over Yordenis Ugas and Fabian Maidana to see his record sit at 29-2-1 overall entering the bout.
“I’m looking to go out there and showcase my skill and use any advantage I have to get my hand raised at the end of the night,” Barrios said during a recent press event. “This has been a tremendous camp. It’s very rare to have a camp this smooth. The sparring has been perfect and I’m very happy with how everything has gone.”
Barrios won the interim title with his decision win vs. Ugas and was elevated to the world champion after his victory vs. Maidana. He defended the belt last year with a split draw vs. Abel Ramos.
When he was presented with the opportunity to square off with Pacquiao, Barrios admits he wasn’t sure what to do.
“When the fight was first brought to me, I wasn’t sure whether to take it as respect or disrespect because he wanted me,” Barrios said. “But regardless, I’m the champion for a reason and I’m gonna show why I’m holding the WBC belt.”
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