Mario Barrios vs Ryan Garcia – Malik Scott makes his pick

On February 21 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Mario Barrios vs Ryan Garcia headlines a Turki Alalshikh (Ring Magazine) show, in association with TGB Promotions, Sela, and Golden Boy. They will fight for Barrios’ WBC welterweight title on DAZN Pay-Per-View. Ahead of this world title fight, Malik Scott spoke to Fight Hub TV and revealed his prediction for the fight.

Malik Scott predicts Mario Barrios vs Ryan Garcia

When asked for his views on Mario Barrios vs Ryan Garcia, Scott said:

“I have Barrios. I think Barrios is probably one of the most underrated champions in boxing. I think he’s better than what the eye test says.

“And I just don’t know how serious Ryan Garcia’s taking him. But you would think, since Ryan lost to Rolly in his last fight and had so much time off, that he’s gonna take full advantage of this opportunity. We’re gonna see.

“But I’m going with Barrios, and I’m going with Barrios because he’s the most underrated champion in boxing. He’s better than what the eye test says. And guess what? He has one of the best trainers in the world, Joe Goosen. And he has Joe Goosen’s assistant in his corner, one of the best young trainers, Wale.”

Mario Barrios vs Ryan Garcia

Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs) was last seen in action, retaining his title in a majority draw against Manny Pacquiao, with scorecards of 115-113 for Barrios, while the last two cards read 114-114. That followed his entertaining draw against Abel Ramos. He was elevated to full champion following Terence Crawford’s decision to vacate his WBC welterweight title.

Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs) last fought on the widely criticized Times Square card in New York City, losing to rolly Romero by a unanimous decision, with scorecards of 118-109, and 115-112 x2. “Kingry” was flat the entire fight and was knocked down in the second round. Chris Mannix reported that Garcia had sustained a hand injury in training before the Romero fight and had surgery soon after the loss.

It remains to be seen what Garcia has left, but he needs this world title; it’s difficult to see where his career goes from here.