Mario Barrios is making changes ahead of his February 21 welterweight title defense against Ryan Garcia. Appearing at the Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz–Lamont Roach Jr. event in San Antonio, Barrios revealed he has ended his partnership with trainer Bob Santos and has begun working with Hall of Fame coach Joe Goossen - the same trainer who once worked Garcia’s corner.
Barrios explained that Goossen has already been in camp with him for two weeks, and the chemistry has been immediate. “Knowing what he brings as a trainer, we can do big things,” Barrios said.
The upcoming title defense comes at a pivotal moment for Barrios, who is looking to rebound from back-to-back draws against Abel Ramos and Manny Pacquiao. With Garcia entering his third world-title opportunity, Barrios believes the matchup is compelling because of the “intangibles” each man brings to the ring.
Watch Pacquiao vs. Barrios highlights.
A major subplot entering the bout revolves around drug testing. After Garcia’s positive results for the banned PED ostarine last year, Barrios made it clear that their fight will include full Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) testing. “Ryan will follow through in the right way,” Barrios said. “I don’t think there’ll be anything to worry about.”
Image Credit: PBC