Barrios Preparing For 2021 Ring Debut

Undefeated WBA Super Lightweight Champion, Mario “El Azteca” Barrios (26-0, 17 KOs), has arrived in Hayward, California, to start training camp with coach Virgil Hunter. Barrios, who resides in San Antonio, TX, recently defended his title against Ryan Karl (18-3, 12 KOs) in October of 2020 on the Gervonta Davis-Leo Santa Cruz card. Barrios is awaiting a fight date from the PBC to make his 2021 debut.

“Leaving home early to start training camp with Virgil has been the game-changer in my career,” said Barrios, who has stopped nine of his last ten opponents. “It’s a sacrifice that I feel needs to be made as enter the second half of my career. All the fights from here on out will be against top level opposition, and there is no room for error. Everything is on the line each and every time I step in the ring so I’m doing everything in my power to stay on top.”

There are many big opportunities for Mario Barrios, who at 25-years old, is on the verge of superstardom.

“I know there are plenty of big names for me to fight that the fans want to see,” Barrios continued. “After talking to my team, I’m excited about what lies ahead, and the possible names that have been presented. 2021 will be another monumental year in my career.”

While that didn’t explain who it would be next in the ring, I’d be all for the next fight be with Regis Prograis. Makes sense to me and is what Premier Boxing Champions announcer Ray Flores said after there wins on the same card.

Here’s an early holiday wish, can we please get Mario Barrios against Regis Prograis? Talk about an all action fight that would produce fireworks and violence. I think that fight could be something special. Both guys looked sharp last night.

— Ray Flores (@SBRFlores) November 1, 2020