Mario Barrios acknowledges the danger ahead but insists he is ready to rise to the occasion as he prepares to defend his WBC welterweight title against Ryan Garcia this Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main event will stream on DAZN as a pay-per-view, with some predicting the end of Barrios’ reign following two consecutive draws.
Barrios’ recent outings have been uncertain. In November 2024, he was dropped and fought to a draw with Abel Ramos. This past July, he was held to another stalemate by Manny Pacquiao, who at 46 was returning after nearly four years out of the professional ring. Garcia, meanwhile, is coming off a lackluster unanimous decision loss to Rolando “Rolly” Romero last May, but his speed and power continue to make him a formidable threat.
Barrio is not dismissing Garcia’s qualities. “I give Ryan credit – he’s fast, he’s dangerous, and he’s hungry,” he said. “But I’ve been in deep waters before, and I know how to stay composed and break my opponents down. This fight is about proving that I’m not just a champion; I’m one of the best in the world at 147. Garcia has power, but I’ve seen it all in the ring. I’m ready to go through fire to keep what’s mine.”
Following the Pacquiao bout, Barrios made a significant change to his team, parting ways with Bob Santos and bringing in Joe Goossen. “Working with Joe Goossen has brought a whole new level to my game,” Barrios said. “Every session, he’s pushing me to refine my strengths and fix every small mistake. I’ve grown more as a fighter in this camp, and I’m ready to bring a war to Ryan Garcia.”
Barrios captured the WBC interim title in September 2023 with a wide decision over Yordenis Ugas and defended it in May 2024 by outpointing Fabian Maidana. He was later upgraded to full champion after Terence Crawford vacated the undisputed crown and moved up to 154.
Learn more about the upcoming event here.
Image Credit: The Ring