WBC Welterweight World Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios held a media workout in Las Vegas on Saturday as he prepares to challenge Hall of Famer abd boxing legend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao on Saturday, July 19 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, live on Prime Video.
Two-weight world champion Mario Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) stamped his authority among the welterweight elite in September 2023 after he dropped former champion Yordenis Ugas twice to capture the WBC Interim belt by unanimous decision.
The Mexican-American followed that up in May 2024 by sending Fabian Maidana to the canvas as well, on his way to another dominant decision victory, and was soon elevated to WBC Welterweight World Champion following the bout.
His first defense of the green and gold title saw the 30-year-old Barrios go toe-to-toe with Abel Ramos in one of last year’s best fights, which saw both men score knockdowns and ultimately end in a split-draw, with the “Golden Boy” Barrios retaining the belt.
Just three weeks ahead of his showdown with a modern-day boxing legend, here is what defending champion Barrios had to say from the Pound 4 Pound Gym in Las Vegas, where he trains with Bob Santos.
MARIO BARRIOS
“It’s all smiles between us right now, but when that bell rings, we’re going in there with bad intentions. He’s trying to take my title and I have to do whatever it takes to make sure he doesn’t.
“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. The hard work has already been put in.
“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.
“During training camp I haven’t really been working with the mentality that I’m facing a legend. At the end of the day, he’s another man who’s trying to fight for my title. I respect what he’s done in the sport and the person he is, but come fight night, that respect won’t be there.
“When the fight was first brought to me I wasn’t sure whether to take it as respect or disrespect, because he wanted me. But regardless, I’m the champion for a reason and I’m gonna show why I’m holding the WBC belt.
“Manny’s movement and hand speed is looking on point right now. That’s what has always made him a great fighter. He doesn’t have an easy style to replicate and that can make sparring tricky. That’s one of the reasons he’s been so successful and why he’s in the position that he is.
“I have a great team behind me. I’ve been fortunate to be with some of the best in the business from the beginning. I’ve just stayed focused and stayed in the gym and that’s why I’ve gotten these opportunities. I give it 100% every time.
“I’ve always trained for every fight like it’s a world title fight, so this is no different. I know who I’m going against and I know the threat he is inside of the ring. But with my team and everything we’re working on in the gym, I just have to go out and execute and we’ll be victorious.
“I’ll definitely be showcasing my indigenous roots for my walkout. That’s something I love to feel as I’m entering the ring. We’ve got something special planned.
“Having my sister Selina in my camp has been really important. We started this boxing journey together when I was six and she was eight. We’ve always been in each other’s corner since the very beginning. Nobody knows me better in and out of the ring than her.”
