LAS VEGAS – Mario Barrios became a champion training under Virgil Hunter in the Bay Area, then a two-division titlist while cornered by Bob Santos in Las Vegas.
Having escaped with consecutive draws versus Abel Ramos and Manny Pacquiao, he has since embraced a near three-month-long camp near Los Angeles with hall-of-fame trainer Joe Goossen.
As much as Saturday’s fourth crack at a title is beyond urgent for challenger Ryan Garcia, 24-2 (20KOs), San Antonio’s Barrios, 30, also confronts a desperate situation – which Goossen has proven perfect for.
Not only did the denim-loving southern Californian famously inspire Diego Corrales to that 2005 fight-of-the-year victory over Jose Luis Castillo in the championship rounds, he knows Garcia well, having trained him for three fights.
“I bring the experience – I have more tools in my arsenal and there’s more to my style,” Barrios, 29-2-2 (18KOs), says. “There’s a couple things [Garcia] does very well that have brought him to this point, but with that being said, that’s also why he hasn’t been able to get over that hump.
“Regardless, he’s still a dangerous opponent when he’s on point. That’s who I’m preparing for.”
Goossen told BoxingScene previously that the vulnerabilities in Garcia’s game are obvious to astute observers. He’s told Barrios to protect against the famed left hook; to fight inside; to pound the body.
“Joe is a character and the right person to get you through the tough rounds; to give you the right pep talk,” Barrios told BoxingScene earlier in February. “We have had days where we’re sparring, and not every day is a great day.
“Today, for example, was tough sparring after a long week. I wasn’t having the day I wanted, but every round, I’d go back to Joe and he’s pushing me, telling me all the right things to keep me mentally locked in so I’m ready to give it my all.”
Barrios possesses more professional rounds than Garcia and minor reach and height advantages, and his turn to align with Garcia’s fired trainer adds a dynamic wrinkle to the DAZN-Ring pay-per-view main event at T-Mobile Arena.
“As I sat down with my team and family and watched the last couple performances, we wanted to get back to getting that aggression and punch output that had been missing,” Barrios explained. “Knowing Joe’s style and the kind of fighters he’s worked with in the past, that was a main reason why we decided to go with Joe.
“Fans can expect an exciting fight, knowing Ryan has promised he’s focused and how this is the sharpest he’s looked. I hope all that’s true, because I know what I’m coming with fight night.”
And following Garcia’s two losses [to Gervonta Davis and “Rolly” Romero] and no-contest [against Devin Haney] in his past three title fights, Barrios assesses that Garcia’s erratic history can’t be forgotten even as the 27-year-old challenger promises a fresh slate with his new trainer, his father Henry Garcia.
“In general, Ryan is very unpredictable and you don’t know what you’re getting from him in his fights,” Barrios said. “What he has shown on his good nights is that he’s very explosive; very interesting. We’ve trained for the best version of Garcia, and that’s what we’re hoping we’ll get [Saturday].”
By defeating the best version of Garcia, Barrios positions himself for fights with WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney, high-profile contender Conor Benn, WBA champion Rolando Romero, and more.
“Not looking past this fight whatsoever, but if I handle business, I have the ability by getting the victory I’m looking to have,” Barrios said. “There’s so many great things on the horizon in the division – unifying, or fighting another big name. Those are the types of fights I want for my career.”
Reflecting on it all during this lengthy camp brought Barrios to scenic southern California locales – from conquering mountain hiking trails to braving night swims in the Pacific Ocean.
“In my free time, I make it a point to take in as much scenery as I can – I’m connecting with nature,” Barrios said. “A dip in the water, day and night – it’s a little sketchy, but always refreshing. To find a new hike or trail to ground myself… to sit down and reflect, I disconnect with everything and think about where this sport has brought me… .
“It has been a journey and I’m thankful to grow as a fighter, as a person and a man. And all of that comes through these experiences. I’m exactly where I want to be – pumped, tired of being in camp, and can’t wait to handle my business.”
